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BOB SPENCER 
THE LIFE SAVER 


BOOKS BY 

CAPTAIN TAYLOR ARMITAGE 

UNCLE SAM'S SERVICE SERIES 

12ino. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 
Jl.OO net 

BOB SPENCER THE LIFE SAVER, 

Or, Guarding: the Coast for Uncle Sam 

DAVE SPENCER ON SECRET SERVICE 

Or, Uncle Sam’s Search for Counterfeiters 
(Other volumes in preparation) 

NEW YORK 

SULLY AND KLEINTEICH 





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The task of receiving the woman, perhaps the Captain’s 
wife, had been accomplished safely. [See p. 162] 



BOB SPENCER 

THE 

LIFE SAVER 

OR 

GUARDING THE COAST FOR 
UNCLE SAM 


BY 

CAPTAIN TAYLOR ARMITAGE 


ILLUSTRATED 



NEW YORK 

SULLY AND KLEINTEICH 


Copyright, 1914, by 
SULLY AND KLEINTEICH 


mar 26 1914 


©CI,A36945 3 


PREFACE 


Dear Boys : — 

In this new series of books which I expect to 
place before you, I shall aim not only to afford a 
fair amount of interesting adventure reading, such 
as every healthy lad loves; but at the same time to 
give absolutely reliable descriptions in connection 
with considerable of the business conducted in 
Uncle Sam's great workshops. 

I trust that every one of my young friends will 
enjoy reading about the remarkable events that 
came to pass in the lives of these five sturdy and 
ambitious sons of Colonel Frederic Spencer, — 
Frank, Fred, Bob, Sam and Dave, after they in 
turn found themselves in the employ of the Govern- 
ment. And you can rest assured that whatever I 
have written concerning the working of the Life- 
saving Service, the Army, the Navy, the Revenue 
Department as connected with the Secret Service — 
and last but not least, the conservation of the mines, 
forests and other resources that are the natural 
heritage of the Nation, has all a firm foundation 
in fact, as recorded in the yearly reports, which are 


vi 


Preface 


issued for distribution by the great Government 
Printing Office in Washington. 

Nor can the gallant Spencer family really be 
looked on as a myth. All over this glorious land 
of ours may be found many families where the seed 
has been sown in good ground; so that in due sea- 
son other members, urged on by similar aspirations, 
will seek eagerly to enter the various branches of 
Uncle Sam's service. 

It is the hope of the Nation, this desire on the 
part of our boys to serve their country under the 
Stars and Stripes, no matter in what capacity, or 
in what field. And we would do well to encourage 
such a laudable ambition by every honorable means 
in our power. 

Sincerely yours, 

Captain Taylor Armitage. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. Along the Juniper i 

11 . The Boy Who Knew How . . lo 

III. When Bob Broke Loose ... 20 

IV. The Ghost in the Belfry 

Tower 29 

V. Glorious News . 38 

VI. The Fire 47 

VII. In His Line of Business ... 58 

VIII. The Barn Dance 69 

IX. The Missing Watch .... 78 

X. Another Call to Duty , . . . 88 

XI. The Ship Wrecked Sailor . . 99 

XII. A Story of the Sea 105 

XIII. Appointed to Duty 112 

XIV. Patrolling the Danger Coast . 122 

XV. The Storm 136 

XVI. Launching the Life Boat . . 146 

XVII. Alongside the Wreck . . . . 155 

XVIII. Safe in Port 164 

XIX. The Beach Combers 174 

XX. The Smoke on the Horizon . . 185 

XXL On the Track of the Smuggler . 194 

vii 


Contents 


viii 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XXIL Caught in the Act 204 

XXIII. A Friend in Need 215 

XXIV. A Letter From Home .... 223 

XXV. The Weather Bureau’s Warn- 
ing 234 

XXVI. The Coming of the Hurricane . 244 

XXVII. Firing the Wreck-Gun . . . 253 

XXVIII. A Hero of the Storm .... 259 

XXIX. A Strange Meeting 273 

XXX. The Mystery Solved — Conclu- 
sion 291 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


The task of receiving the woman, per- 
haps the Captain’s wife, had been 
accomplished safely. - - Frontispiece i/* 


“Now, drop it down, and be careful 

PAGE 

how you aim.” - . _ 

64 i ^ 

Bob managed to get the sailor off the 
track and over to the other rails, 
just as the ponderous locomotive, 
with its rumbling cars, swept past. 

100 

“Take it easy now,” advised Cap- 
tain Lon. - - ' - 

214 ^ 

Boom ! The mortar bore its message 
of cheer to those on the doomed 
vessel. . _ - - - 

256 

“Haul in quick now, men.” 

26^^ 


BOB SPENCER THE LIFE SAVER 


CHAPTER I 

ALONG THE JUNIPER 

“ Come on, I’ll race both of you! ” 

“ Is that a challenge, Bob ? ” 

‘‘ I meant it for one, Fred; that is, if both you 
and Frank feel like taking a swim with me.” 

“ Well, it’s surely a warm afternoon, even for 
July; and I reckon the cool water of the good old 
Juniper would feel pretty fine. I’ve got half a 
notion to take you up on that dare. Bob ; though it’s 
a small chance any of us ever have against a regular 
water-rat like you.” 

“ How about you, Frank? ” 

“ Oh! if the rest mean to jump in, I’m not the 
fellow to sit moping on the bank, and miss all the 
fun.” 

“ That sounds good to me. Now, let’s see who’ll 
be the first to dive off this high bank here. Get 
busy, boys ! ” 


I 


2 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

While the three boys are tossing off their gar- 
ments, in anticipation of enjoying their favorite 
sport, let us take advantage of the opportunity to 
make their acquaintance, and learn just what re- 
lationship Bob, Fred and Frank bear to one an- 
other. 

Colonel Frederic Spencer had served his country 
during the Spanish war with distinction, and left 
one of his arms on the battlefield near Santiago. 
He came of a long line of patriotic Americans, 
stretching away back to the days of the early 
pioneers; so that it was not strange that every one 
of his sons should be imbued with a healthy and 
determined desire to enter the service of Uncle 
Sam, when the eagerly-awaited chance arrived. 

There were just six children living, and five of 
them boys, sturdy fellows every one ; with two pair 
of twins in the lot. Janice, the only girl, happened 
to round up the half dozen; and it can be readily 
understood that she was the idol of her five broth- 
ers — a little queen, whose every wish they loved to 
gratify. 

First came Dave and Frank, as the older twins 
were named; and Frank somehow always allowed 
Dave to assume the airs of an elder brother, since 

was said that he had seen the light of day first. 

Then there were Fred and Sam, the second pair, 
with the former such a sober fellow that every one 
looked upon him as much older than his mate. 


Along the Juniper 3 

Energetic Bob was the last of the boys, though 
no one would suspect it because of his size and 
muscular development, which made him the peer 
of even Frank, several years older. 

Bob was the wild horse of the lot, and, though 
good-hearted and impulsive, caused his father many 
a heart-ache because of his mischievous ways. He 
was above playing mean pranks; but seemed to be 
possessed of a spirit of rollicking fun, and through- 
out the entire community around the town of Clay- 
ton, if any trick chanced to be turned that was 
plainly the work of boys. Bob was immediately 
saddled with the blame, though doubtless in many 
instances he had nothing to do with the matter. 
It was a case of giving a dog a bad name over 
again. 

When it came to water sports Bob had no equal 
among his fellows; and perhaps it was partly this 
that, next to Sam, had always made him a favorite 
with his grandfather; who had once commanded a 
gunboat on the Mississippi during the Civil war, 
and whose love for the navy seemed to have come 
down to some of the boys of the third generation. 

Fred Spencer, on the other hand, did not seem to 
be an adventurous boy, like his brothers. He was 
something of a book-worm, and would rather be 
left alone in his “ den,” to pore over the Govern- 
ment reports on conservation, and such topics, 


4 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

than be out playing baseball, or even fishing in the 
clear waters of the Juniper. 

But Fred had such a gentle disposition that all 
of his brothers felt toward him very much as though 
they must act as his protectors. He did not seem 
quite so rugged as the others, though this may have 
come from his staying indoors so much, when he 
should have been exercising his muscles. 

It was Sam who never lost an opportunity to coax 
Grandfather Spencer into a cozy comer, and get 
him to tell of his thrilling experiences during those 
dark days in the far past, when this beloved country 
of ours was divided into hostile camps. 

The old man was as patriotic as any one could 
wish; but there were times when Sam would dis- 
cover him sitting under the apple tree in the shady 
side yard, tenderly stroking a tiny silken Confeder- 
ate flag, which he must have carried near his heart 
all these long years, while a sad smile would wreathe 
his wrinkled face. 

Ah ! the dear hands that had made that little token 
for him long ago he could never again feel pressing 
his. Possibly it was of her the old man was think- 
ing, as well as of the stormy scenes that fell to his 
portion during those war times. 

Then there was Dave, ‘‘ long-headed Dave ’’ they 
often called him, because he dearly loved to solve 
riddles that every one else seemed ready to give up ; 
and was deeply interested in the workings of Uncle 


5 


Along the Juniper 

Sam’s Secret Service people. Perhaps the uncle 
after whom Dave was named, and who sometimes 
dropped in on them for a short stay, was in some 
measure responsible for the bent of the boy’s mind, 
since he delighted to tell stories of his work in that 
part of the great Government machinery at Wash- 
ington. 

As for Frank, he had inherited his father’s love 
for the army; and though he seldom committed 
himself on the subject, it could be seen plainly that 
some day, sooner or later, there would be another 
soldier in the patriotic Spencer family, striving to 
uphold the traditional honor of the name. 

The town of Clayton, near which Bob and his 
brothers lived, was far in the interior; and this little 
river named the Juniper was the only body of 
water accessible to the boys; but that did not pre- 
vent Bob and Sam from dreaming of the happy 
day when they might gaze upon the tumbling bil- 
lows of the great salt ocean, and have the dearest 
wish of their lives gratified. 

Sam never tired of reading about foreign coun- 
tries, which he hoped to see with his own eyes be- 
fore many years; since nowadays life in the navy 
is not the drudgery it used to be, and through ex- 
tensive travel can be made to form the basis of a 
liberal education. 

A recent heavy rain had caused the river to swell 
beyond its customary summer dimensions, so that 


6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

there was a strong current, and many strange eddies 
besides. 

But reckless boys seldom think of danger when a 
sudden desire to enjoy anything comes over them; 
and when Bob, being the first after all to strip, gave 
a leap from the bank, and dived head-first into 
the river, like a big frog, his only realization seemed 
to be that the water felt delightfully cool. 

The others were fast upon his heels, and for 
some little time they splashed and dived and swam 
around, enjoying themselves as only care- free lads 
may. 

How about that race I proposed ? ” called out 
Bob, when they had worn off a little of their en- 
thusiasm. 

“ Ready any time you say the word,” replied 
Frank, who had beaten Bob in swimming, once upon 
a time, through some “ fluke,” and secretly cherished 
a forlorn hope that he might be able to do the same 
thing again though no one else dreamed that he 
had the least chance to come in ahead, with Bob 
doing his best. 

Fred, are you in the game with us? ” demanded 
Bob. 

“ Why, I suppose I might make a start ; but 
chances are I’ll be left far behind before a quarter of 
the course is gone over. What is the goal to be. 
Bob? ” asked the one who did not feel as much at 
home in the water as he did in that cozy old arm- 


Along the Juniper 7 

chair at home, with a big volume of Government re- 
ports on his knees. 

“ Up or down stream, Bob? ” asked Frank, care- 
lessly, as though it did not matter much to him 
which course they followed. 

Let’s see,” remarked the one who had proposed 
the race, how would that willow tree around the 
second bend above do for the finishing stake ? ” 

‘‘Fine! Line up here, Fred, and get ready to 
make a start when Bob gives the word,” and Frank 
made room for the third contestant, who knew he 
had not the least chance in the world yet was willing 
to lend encouragement to the project just to please 
the rest. 

“Remember,” called out the enthusiastic Bob, 
“ the one who leaves the water opposite the wil- 
low, and touches the trunk of the tree, is the winner. 
And no climbing out on the bank beforehand, and 
racing to the goal along the bank, like Sam did 
once, and claimed to have won the title of champion. 
All ready ? Then go I ” 

Immediately they jumped forward, and began to 
swim in the most energetic fashion possible, each 
according to his favorite method. Frank had a 
very strong way of pushing his body through the 
water, which is known as the “ breast stroke ; ” 
while Bob nearly always used an overhand stroke 
whenever he really wished to make speed. 

As for Fred, he tried first one way and then an- 


8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

other, without being able to hold his own with his 
more muscular brothers; so that from the start he 
fell far behind, and was being left more in the 
lurch with every minute, though continuing to swim 
lustily, not being easily discouraged. 

Frank was managing somehow to keep almost 
even with Bob, and this encouraged him greatly, as 
doubtless the crafty “ water-rat ’’ intended should 
be the case. When the race had been some three- 
quarters covered, perhaps Bob would see fit to show 
his true form, and simply ‘‘walk away” from his 
nearest competitor. 

Splashing, and striking out bravely, the lads kept 
on up the stream. It was no child’s play, with such 
a heavy current against them; but difficulties only 
served to make them the more determined to carry 
out their full plans. 

They had turned the first bend, and were striking 
out for the upper one, when a sound came floating 
to their ears that thrilled them instantly. 

“ Listen! What’s that mean, Frank? cried Bob, 
treading water, as he turned his anxious face to- 
ward the other, who had also stopped swimming 
for the moment. 

“It sounded like a shout, as sure as you live, 
Bob!” spluttered Frank, who had gulped in more 
or less water in his sudden excitement. “ Yes, 
there it is again! Do you think it can be Fred? ” 
For the other brother was now far behind. 


9 


Along the Juniper 

‘‘ He’s caught a cramp, perhaps ! ” exclaimed 
Bob, instantly starting down the current of the 
river, and swimming like mad, as the thought of 
the favorite brother in deadly peril spurred him to 
do his best. 


CHAPTER II 


THE BOY WHO KNEW HOW 

On other occasions Bob Spencer may have 
thought he had made fast time, but had any one 
been on the bank to observe him now, that person 
must have considered that he had all records 
broken. A human life was in peril, that of his 
favorite brother in the bargain; and this acted as 
an incentive for speed, such as no mere honors of an 
ordinary race could have done. 

After him came Frank, also doing his best, yet 
finding himself but a poor second when compared 
with Bob. 

Rounding the bend in the river, Bob saw instantly 
that his worst fears were realized. Fred was strug- 
gling desperately to keep his head above the sur- 
face, splashing at a tremendous rate, and evidently 
growing weaker with every passing second. 

Twice he vanished from Bob’s sight, even while 
the other was rapidly nearing the spot; though 
each time he came up again, his efforts to keep 
afloat diminishing all the while. 

10 


II 


The Boy Who Knew How 

At last Bob found himself close by; and just then 
poor Fred sank for the third time. By a desperate 
plunge Bob was able to clutch hold of him before 
the current got in its full work. 

Of course the drowning boy immediately at- 
tempted to cling desperately to his intended rescuer ; 
for under such conditions self-preservation becomes 
the first law of nature. But Bob had many a time 
practiced life-saving, and knew exactly what to do, 
even though in an emergency he would be compelled 
to give the imperiled one a smart blow, in order to 
break his strangle-hold, since the lives of both de- 
pended on Bob’s ability to keep his arms free. 

Having secured just the grip he wished upon 
Fred, he started toward the shore, trying to keep 
the other’s head above water as much as possible. 

“ Good ! keep it up, Bob ! Fll be there to help in 
a jiffy! ” shouted Frank, who was coming along at 
a great rate, and was already near at hand. 

Even had he been left to himself, Bob would 
have undoubtedly proven his ability to get his 
brother ashore; but all the same he did not scorn 
the assistance which the coming of Frank put in his 
way. 

Together they pushed Fred to shallow water, and 
then lifted him out to the bank. Frank looked 
down on the white face of the dearly loved brother 
with dire dismay. 

“ Oh ! is he really drowned, Bob ? ” he asked. 


12 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

trembling, not with cold, but with the horror of the 
threatened calamity. 

‘‘Not a bit of it!” exclaimed Bob, though 
secretly he felt alarmed himself at the possibility of 
such a thing coming to pass. “ Here, help me get 
him over on his face. We must pump the water 
out of him first, and get his blood circulating.” 

“Do you think we — think we can save him. 
Bob?” gasped Frank, as he tried to control the 
fit of shivering and trembling that had seized him. 

“ Think ! I don’t think — I know ! ” exclaimed 
Bob, with such energy that Frank, who had, several 
times before, seen his brother restore half-drowned 
persons to life, felt a return of confidence. 

“ He — ^he’s awful still,” Frank ventured. 

“ So would you be, if you had as much water 
in you as he’s probably got! Come on, now, get 
busy ! ” cried Bob, briskly. “ Turn him on his 
face!” 

The two brothers rolled Fred over. Bob pulling 
up a clod of earth and grass to be used in place of 
the bundle of clothing sometimes put into play for 
the purpose of pressing on the stomach to eject the 
water. Then Bob knelt astride of the unconscious 
one, pulling Fred’s arms up over his head. 

“ Come on,‘now! ” called Bob to Frank. “ Help 
me press on his ribs. We’ve got to force the water 
out of his lungs. Press in, and upward, on his 
short ribs. Come on ! ” 


The Boy Who Knew How 13 

He spoke sharply to arouse Frank to action, and 
his brisk words had a good effect. 

“ Force the water out, and get some air in — 
that's what we've got to do!" panted Bob, as he 
worked beside his brother. ‘‘ He'll be all right soon, 
Frank. Push harder — don’t be afraid.” 

They worked feverishly, waiting anxiously for 
the first sign of returning consciousness. 

‘‘ Rub his legs ! " suddenly called Bob. ‘‘ I can 
attend to his lungs now. I think he's coming 
around ! ” 

Frank rubbed the limbs vigorously, to start up 
the sluggish circulation. 

‘‘ Here he comes ! " cried Bob, a moment later. 
There was a long-drawn, tremulous sigh from the 
lips of Fred, and his eyes slowly opened. 

“ Oh, is he — all right? " cried Frank. 

‘‘ He will be, in a minute,” replied Bob. ‘‘ How 
are you, old sport? ” he asked, half jokingly, though 
there was an undercurrent of anxiety in his voice. 

“ I — I'm better than I was,” faltered Fred, 
faintly. He made a motion to sit up, and Bob put 
his arm back of him. “ Did I — did I get a cramp? ” 
he asked, gaspingly. 

Bob nodded. 

‘‘ I thought I felt it coming on,” resumed Fred, 
his voice constantly growing stronger. I tried to 
get to shore, but I couldn't. Did you two see me? ” 

“ We sure did ! ” exclaimed Frank. ** I thought 


[14 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

we’d never reach you m time. You ought to have 
seen Bob swim ! ” and he gazed admiringly at his 
brother. 

“ That’s nothing,” spoke Bob, modestly. 
‘‘ You’re some little swimmer yourself, Frank.” 

‘‘ Nothing to you, though. You sure did cut 
through the water. You ought to have seen him, 
Fred! ” 

‘‘ I wish I had. But I was about all in. I 
thought sure I was a goner ! But it must have been 
a hard swim for you. Bob.” 

‘‘ I should say it was ! ” echoed the enthusiastic 
Frank, as he patted Bob on his bare shoulder; ‘‘ and 
nobody but our Bob here could ever have reached 
you in time, Fred, or brought you around so quickly. 
I tell you. Bob, you ought to be a life-saver, that’s 
what ! ” 

Bob smiled as he turned on the speaker, and said 
quietly : 

‘‘ That’s just what I’ve made up my .mind I’ll be, 
no matter what happens. I’ve always had the 
greatest wish to do stunts like this. I’m never 
tired of reading about Uncle Sam’s brave fellows 
along the coast, and how they rescue shipwrecked 
sailors, and people, from vessels that have gone on 
the reefs, or the shoals, where the life line must be 
used to reach them. Just you wait, and some fine 
day I’m bound that I’ll get there.” 

Frank and Fred looked at him with admiration. 


The Boy Who Knew How 15 

And believe me/' ventured the former, sturdily, 
if ever you do get your wish, and join the life 
savers, you’ll make a success of the job; won’t he, 
Fred?” 

I’m, sure of that,” the other went on, with a 
vim ; ‘‘ because he seems to have his whole heart 
' set on such a life work. And you know father al- 
ways says that a fellow can only do his level best 
when he takes up the work that appeals to him. 
He says there are too many round men in square 
holes.” 

‘‘ And that’s what I think, too,” Frank returned. 
“ Now, what use would it be for either of us to 
dream of doing such things as Bob here has in 
mind — ^you with your heart set on forest conserva- 
tion, and all those great problems that Congress is 
wrestling with just now; and me bent on being 
worthy of wearing shoulder-straps like father’s 
some fine day, in the army ? ” 

‘‘ Every one to his taste, say I,” Bob observed, 
complacently ; while an eager light shone in his eyes ; 

and I mean to tease father right along until he 
gives me permission to join the coast guard. Al- 
ready I know everything about handling a boat, 
and with a few lessons I surely ought to be able to 
do my part with an oar in a surf boat. And I 
reckon now that it would have to be some sea to 
give me a scare ! ” 

‘‘ Nobody ever saw you show signs of being 


i6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

afraid, Bob, and that’s a fact,” declared Franlc, 
admiringly. 

That’s been just the trouble,” commented Fred, 
as he made an effort to get up on his feet, though 
he required a helping hand on either side, such was 
his weakness after his close call ; ‘‘ you’re too dar- 
ing for your own good. If you chanced to be a 
fireman. Bob, you’d never hesitate about rushing 
into a burning house, if you saw the chance.” 

** If there was any one in peril I think I’d be only 
too willing to go in, no matter what the danger,” 
Bob admitted, carelessly. ‘‘ Fact is, I never did 
know what it was to be afraid, — except to face 
father, after doing something I was ashamed of.” 

Frank and Fred exchanged looks, and smiled; 
for they knew only too well how often this same 
thing had happened ; since it seemed as though reck- 
less Bob could never refrain from playing mad 
pranks, that were fated to get him into a peck of 
trouble. 

They had seen Colonel Spencer many a time 
looking reproachfully at his youngest anfi wildest 
boy; evidently at a loss to know just how to manage 
one with a disposition so reckless, and at the same 
time so lovable. Doubtless that same question had 
been debated scores of times with the sweet- faced 
mother; though up to now no solution had been 
found of the problem as to what should be done 
with Bob. 


The Boy Who Knew How 17 

And perhaps the two brothers may have dimly 
suspected that in the end the boy himself might 
find an answer to the question; for they knew that 
his heart was assuredly bent on making the life- 
saving service his goal. 

They knew that every day Bob eagerly searched 
the papers for accounts of wrecks, and that he kept 
a scrapbook of all such occurrences, which he 
studied constantly, so as to familiarize himself with 
the various ways in which the coast guard worked, 
when called upon to save human life. 

Indeed, unbeknown to even his father. Bob had 
sent to Washington for a copy of the year book 
issued by the Treasury Department, covering all 
the work done by the life-saving service along the 
lakes, and the sea coast. 

Thus Bob already knew just what a candidate 
must be proficient in to be admitted to this service ; 
and hardly a day went by but that he practiced 
certain exercises, looking forward to the time when 
they would be of more or less benefit to him in 
passing his examination. 

Slowly the three brothers made their way down 
the river bank to the spot where they had left their 
clothes ; Frank and Bob steadying Fred from time to 
time, because the latter was still a bit shaky after his 
recent experience. 

I hope you won’t say anything about this at 
home, boys,” remarked Frank. 


1 8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

“ You can count on me not to tell,” replied Bob, 
instantly; for one of his best traits was an unwilling- 
ness to boast, after he had performed some really 
praiseworthy service. 

“ I suppose it would only make mother anxious,” 
Fred said reflectively; and while Fd like them to 
know how Bob saved me, perhaps we’d better keep 
mum about it. But I’ll never forget it — never ! ” 

He shuddered a little when saying this, for Fred 
knew what' a close call he had had when all his 
energies seemed to be paralyzed by that terrible 
cramp in his leg. 

Bob laughed, as though it was hardly worth 
mentioning. 

“ Why, it was only a little practice for me, I tell 
you,” he affirmed; ‘‘ only, of course I’d tnuch rather 
have another subject to work on than my own 
brother. But as they say, ‘ all’s well that ends well,^ 
so let’s forget about it.” 

“ How about the race. Bob? ” asked Fred, chuck- 
ling to hide his emotion, as he squeezed the arm 
that was twined so sturdily about him. 

“ Oh ! that’s all off ! ” replied the other, laugh- 
ingly. ‘‘ Frank can call it a draw, if he feels that 
way.” 

‘‘ Huh ! much chance I’d have had with a fellow 
who can swim like you did when you went to the 
rescue of Fred here,” grunted the other; I thought 
I was doing pretty well, but now I know you were 


19 


The Boy Who Knew How 

just coaxing me along. When it comes to anything 
connected with the water there’s only one Bob 
Spencer after all, and he stands in a class by him- 
self.” 

Hear ! hear ! so say we all of us ! ” declared Fred, 
as they started to don their clothes, every one of 
them with a song of thanksgiving in his heart. 


CHAPTER III 


WHEN BOB BROKE LOOSE 

“What’s all the row about down the street, I 
wonder, Chase?” Dave Spencer remarked, as he 
came out of a store with his chum. Chase Collins, 
one afternoon, several days after the events re- 
corded in the preceding chapter ; “ seems like a 
crowd was collecting in a hurry, coming from every 
quarter. Perhaps the advance agent of the circus 
has struck town.” 

“ More likely a mad dog has broke loose, for it’s 
just hot enough to-day to start the rabies, I should 
think,” grumbled the other, as he wiped his wet 
forehead with his handkerchief. 

“ Well, hardly, because in that case they’d all be 
running every- which- way like fun, instead of gather- 
ing in a bunch,” Dave went on to say; and he had 
a way of reasoning out things that always made his 
opinion worth while. 

“ Guess you’re right about that, Davy,” grunted 
the other, as he looked again, and more closely; 
“ then I’ll try another guess, and say it’s a dog 
fight. You know that always collects a crowd faster 
than anything else. I’ve even seen old Deacon 
20 


When Bob Broke Loose 


21 


Small stand, watching, and looking like he hoped 
the smaller animal would win out.” 

“ Wrong again, Chase, because no dog fight ever 
happened without a heap of noise. And the people 
all seem to be laughing, as if it might be something 
pretty funny.” 

Let’s move along that way, and find out about 
it for ourselves,” suggested the other, sensibly. 

Done ! ” agreed Dave ; and accordingly they 
started on a run toward the constantly-enlarging 
group. 

The tailor and the shoemaker came out to look, 
and immediately went into convulsions of laughter. 
Then there was Miss Carson, the dressmaker, who 
seemed to be tremendously annoyed over some- 
thing, and was scolding those who laughed. Alto- 
gether the two running lads had their curiosity fully 
aroused long before they found themselves in a 
position to learn what it was all about. 

Pigs ! ” gasped Dave, as an unmistakable series 
of grunts reached their ears. 

But what can there be about just plain ordinary 
porkers to make all this confusion, and set people 
to laughing so hard ? ” demanded Chase. 

In another half-minute his question was an- 
swered. Through the crowd broke one of the 
strangest looking objects human eyes had ever 
fallen upon. It was a pig, but such a highly-dec- 
orated animal as would never be found outside of a 


22 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

menagerie where they had a mandrill on exhibition. 

Each separate leg of the rooter had been artis- 
tically painted a different color. One was green, 
another black, a third yellow and the last one a 
vivid purple. And a pretty fair representation of 
the Star Spangled Banner had been daubed on each 
of his sides; so that he certainly did present the 
most ridiculous appearance of any creature that had 
ever appeared at large on the streets of Clayton. 

Hardly had he kicked his hind legs in the air, 
and made off down the street, as the hot sun caused 
the turpentine in the paint to burn him a little, than 
a second grotesque animal pushed into view. If 
anything he looked more remarkable than the other 
pig; and certainly he gave more vigorous kicks 
while running after his mate, both of them squeal- 
ing and grunting at a great rate, as though not ap- 
preciating all the attention they were receiving. 

“Well, what d’ye think of that, now?” gasped 
Chase, when he could catch his breath, after laugh- 
ing until the tears came in his eyes. 

“ I guess everybody knows whose pigs those are,” 
remarked a bystander. “ Week in and week out 
they’ve been a nuisance to the whole community. 
Miss Carson has been asked time and again to keep 
’em penned up; but somehow they always just 
manage to get out on the common each day. They 
played hob with my garden; and like as not lots of 
other people can tell the same story. Somebody 


When Bob Broke Loose 


23 


must have got tired of it all, and played this trick 
on their owner. Whew ! just listen how she’s tellin’ 
all she means to do to the culprit, if ever she finds 
out who he is.” 

Don’t you forget it, Mr. Calkins,” cried the 
maiden lady, sharply, for her ears were keen enough 
to catch what the neighbor had said, “ I’m pretty 
sure right now who I’ve got to thank for this de- 
testable prank. There hain’t a boy in town that’d 
think of such a thing half as quick as that scape- 
grace of a Bob Spencer. I’m going to complain to 
his father right away, see if I don’t. Think what 
a job I’ve got a-scrapin’ of all that paint off the 
backs of my poor little innocent pigs.” 

** Mebbe if they was safe and sound in their pen, 
such accidents as upsettin’ paint pots over them- 
selves wouldn’t happened. Miss Carson,” suggested 
one man; but the indignant spinster only gave him 
a disdainful look, and hastened to vanish inside her 
doorway; upon reaching which she beckoned to a 
colored man, and sent him, not upon a wild goose 
chase, but in search of a pair of animated color 
schemes. 

'‘How about that, Dave; think Bob did it?” 
asked Chase, turning on his chum. 

Dave shrugged his shoulders, and even grinned, 
as he replied in a low tone, not wishing any one to 
overhear him : 

“ Well, now, I wouldn’t put it past Bob, because 


24 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

he sure does seem to have a failing that way. And 
between us, Chase, I remember hearing him say only 
yesterday, after those pigs broke into our yard, and 
played the mischief with things, that it was queer 
somebody couldn't find a way to make Miss Carson 
keep 'em shut up. Looks like Bob had set his wits 
to work, meaning to help out the whole neighbor- 
hood." 

That's just like Bob," asserted Chase, with a 
chuckle; ‘‘he's a public benefactor. But I wonder 
what’ll happen to him when Miss Carson makes her 
complaint to the colonel. Your dad is a pretty 
stern man, you know, Davy." 

“But he's human to the core; and often you'll 
discover a twinkle in his eyes, even when he's giv- 
ing one of us a lecture. And then everybody knows 
just what a nuisance those two pigs have been for 
weeks. Of course Bob won't deny it, if father 
asks him ; because he was never known to tell a lie ; 
and that's more than a heap of other boys, that pre- 
tend to have better reputations than Bob, can say. 
But between us, I don't think Miss Carson will ever 
say a word to father. He's a lawyer, and has a way 
of showing up people's small ways at times. She’ll 
cool down a bit, and I hope keep her pigs where 
they belong after this." 

It turned out just as Dave had said. There was 
no complaint made to Bob’s father; and if he ever 
heard of the episode at all, it must have come 


When Bob Broke Loose 


25 


through other channels. But few people in 
Clayton doubted that Bob’s hand was the one by 
means of which those queer freaks were turned 
loose upon the streets of the town, in order to teach 
the stubborn spinster a much-needed lesson. 

The boy was so full of a desire for excitement 
in some form or other that it just seemed as though 
he had to break loose once in awhile. After he had 
had his fun, Bob would remain quiet for a certain 
season; but everyone knew that once in so often 
they might expect to hear something out of the 
common from prank-playing Bob Spencer. 

Just one week after the affair of the painted pigs 
the usually quiet town of Clayton was treated to 
another sensation; this time not so very humorous 
either, as viewed from the standpoint of the average 
citizen. 

It was a dark night. Clouds were sweeping across 
the heavens, and only occasionally did any star 
venture to peep timidly out through a rent in the 
drifting curtain of vapor above. 

As a rule ten o’clock found every store in town 
tightly closed, and few persons could be met on the 
streets after that hour, unless there was some- 
thing unusual going on. 

The circus had come and gone, so that Clayton 
had relapsed into its customary repose; and as mid- 
night drew near not a solitary soul could be seen 
upon the streets. 


26 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Suddenly there sounded a doleful clang from the 
bell in the tower of the church nearest the common. 
It rang out with startling distinctness on the still 
night air, and was speedily followed by a second, 
and still a third stroke. 

At the first stroke all good male citizens sat bolt 
upright in bed, and listened. With the second came 
visions of a fire, that, with such a wind blowing, 
might threaten many frame buildings. And hardly 
had the third struck than men were groping about 
in the darkness for their outer garments, and try- 
ing to pull on obstinate shoes, in the frantic endeavor 
to get abroad, and do their duty to the community 
as fire fighters. 

From every direction men, women and children 
came pouring, all anxiously calling out to ask where 
the fire might be ; for in no quarter could they dis- 
cover such plain signs as would be apt to betray its 
presence. 

Then followed the greatest confusion. No one 
seemed to understand what it was all about; and 
while the crowd grew steadily larger, all sorts of 
speculations were indulged in as to the meaning of 
the wild alarm. 

Let’s go to the church and ask the sexton, Mr. 
Conway, why he’s ringing the bell like that?” 
called out one man, presently, as the doleful sounds 
still continued. 

‘‘ Here I am, gentlemen,” sang out a quavering 


When Bob Broke Loose 


27 


voice, Sol Conway, and I hain’t ever be’n nigh 
the church this blessed night. See, here’s the key 
I’m a-carryin’ right at this minute. I always said 
they was speerits up in that belfry tower, and my 
wife she laughed at me for speakin’ my mind. 
Reckon now she’ll think the same as I do about it.” 

“ To the church ! ” shouted many others ; ‘‘ let’s 
find out who’s playing this trick on us all ! ” and 
with that there was an immediate rush toward the 
sacred edifice. 

With trembling fingers old Sol unlocked the door, 
and as a lantern was held up, they could see the bell 
rope violently moved with each brazen clang of the 
bell above ; but not a living person was in sight. 

“ Some joker has climbed up in the tower! ” sug- 
gested one man. 

“ That’s what it looks like! ” said another; close 
around, everybody, so he can’t get away. We’ll 
soon find out what it means. Here, I want another 
man to go up there with me. Who’ll volunteer ? ” 

Quickly two men started to ascend the ladder 
leading into the tower; while those below and out- 
side waited to hear some sort of disturbance that 
would announce the capture of the rogue. The bell 
continued to clang at regular intervals; and pres- 
ently the two investigators came hastily down, much 
faster than they had ascended. 

‘‘There hain’t a livin’ soul up there!” declared 
one of the men, in what sounded like an awed tone. 


28 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

“ We felt all around, and couldn’t find a sign of any 
one; and right along the bell would give a jerk, and 
ring like it was possessed of an evil spirit. Just 
listen to that, will you ? ” Even as he spoke the 
bell once more sounded, sending a thrill through 
everyone’s veins. 


CHAPTER IV 


THE GHOST IN THE BELFRY TOWER 

‘‘ It’s a ghost ! ” was heard in several quarters. 

Some of the timid ones hurried away, to shut 
themselves up in their houses; but many of the 
braver ones scoffed at the idea of there being any- 
thing supernatural about the occurrence. 

“ Let me have that lantern, Mr. Scroggins, and 
ril go up to investigate,” announced Frank Spencer; 
for, with numerous other town boys, he had been 
drawn to the spot by all the clamor. 

Several more declared their willingness to ascend, 
if only they had light; and so the lantern was given 
into the charge of Frank, who immediately started 
up the ladder into the dusty belfry tower, with 
equally valiant chums dogging his footsteps. 

Once they gained a position there, they started 
to look around. The bell gave a loud clang, after a 
wheezy effort; and Frank’s quick ear detected some 
sort of grinding noise at one end of the wooden 
structure. 

“ Whatever it is makes the old bell ring,” he de- 
cked, it must lie over in this quarter. Come and 
see what we can find, fellows.” 

29 


30 Bob Spencer tbe Life Saver 

Half a minute later and there was a cry from one 
of the boys. 

“ Look up yonder, Frank! he exclaimed, point- 
ing eagerly as he spoke ; “ don’t you see something 
creepy there ? ” 

A snake, mebbe ! ” exploded another boy, start- 
ing back in alarm. 

‘‘ Not much,” remarked Frank, with a little laugh. 

I reckon the mystery is explained all right, boys. 
That’s a rope, and it runs straight out over the limb 
of that big elm yonder, and then some. At the 
other end you’ll find the ghost that’s been ringing 
the bell all this while.” 

‘‘ Well, ain’t that a rich sell, though? ” ejaculated 
another of the boys ; for once the mystery was solved 
none of them could see any reason for feeling in the 
least bit timid. 

“ Notice which way it runs, Frank,” suggested 
another ; and then we’ll go down and close in on 
the fellow, whoever he may be.” 

“ Oh 1 I rather think he’s taken the alarm al- 
ready,” replied Frank; ‘‘because, you notice that 
the bell has stopped ringing. But as you say, 
Harold, we might find out just where he’s been 
lying all this while, laughing at what was going on. 
Get a move on, fellows, and drop down out of this 
owl roost.” 

When they reached the outside of the church 
again, all manner of silly questions were showered 


The Ghost in the Belfry Tower 31] 

upon them; but none of the boys stopped long 
enough to make answer. They hurried after Frank, 
who, lantern in hand, had started on a run toward 
a certain fence corner that he remembered lay in 
the direction where that rope trailed. 

“ There he goes ! shrilled one of the boys, as a 
dimly-seen figure sprang out of the bushes and 
quickly vanished in the gloom beyond. 

“ After him, everybody ! chirped another fel- 
low; but somehow no one seemed very much inclined 
to take up the chase. 

“No use trying to overtake that chap, with the 
lead he^s got, and the darkness to help him,’’ de- 
clared Frank. “ But here’s the rope all right, just 
as I expected; and you can see how he crouched 
down in this fence corner, and gave a pull whenever 
he wanted to.” 

They looked around, and could plainly see where 
the unknown had knelt down, for his knees and toes 
had made plain impressions in the soil. 

“ What’s this ? ” exclaimed one of the boys, sud- 
denly, as he stooped and picked up something that 
had caught his eye. “ It’s a handkerchief, Frank, 
and chances are that fellow must have dropped it.” 

“ Let me have it,” said Frank, quietly, and with- 
out hesitation the finder handed the article over to 
the one holding the lantern, and who was the leader 
in the quest for the offender. 

When Frank found a chance to examine that 


32 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

handkerchief, he discovered, just as he had more 
than half expected he would, that it bore the sig- 
nificant initials R. S. ; and this told him the whole 
story, for he knew that he held the property of his 
reckless brother. Bob ! 

Meanwhile there were loud threats as to what 
ought to be done to put a stop to such mad pranks 
as were becoming almost a weekly occurrence these 
days. No names were mentioned, yet every one 
could easily imagine who was meant. And when 
Frank slipped away from the rest to slink back 
home, that tell-tale pocket handkerchief burned like 
fire in his possession. 

He knew that Bob was the guilty one, and what 
worried him most of all was what their father might 
be tempted to do when he heard the rumors that 
would soon be flying about Clayton. 

The Spencers had quite an estate just out of 
town, and the five brothers were allowed many priv- 
ileges, such as most boys seldom know; for the 
colonel believed in young lads being given a chance 
to develop any latent talents they might possess. 

Thus Fred and Dave dabbled in a wireless outfit; 
and all but Fred owned bicycles, had interests in 
boats of various models, and were members in good 
standing of the baseball and football organizations 
of the town. 

Watching his chance after breakfast that morn- 
ing, Frank beckoned to Bob, and led the way out 


The Ghost in the Belfry Tower 33 

to the gymnasium where they were wont to amuse 
themselves at various times with all manner of 
athletic appliances. 

‘‘What is it, Frank?’’ asked Bob, watching his 
older brother uneasily out of one corner of his eye, 
for doubtless he expected that he was about to be 
questioned with regard to his whereabouts on the 
preceding night. 

“ That belongs to you, doesn’t it? ” asked Frank, 
suddenly tossing the tell-tale handkerchief to his 
brother. 

“ It does. Where did you find it ? ” questioned 
the other, blandly. 

“ It was picked up in a certain fence corner last 
night, and I got hold of it before Alec Rand could 
discover your initials,” replied Frank, quietly, his 
gaze fastened upon his brother’s face. 

Bob turned red. He laughed a bit uneasily, but 
there was little of humor about the sound. 

“ Oh! I’m ready to own up to you, Frank,” he 
said, nervously. “ I thought it would be great fun 
to get the whole town guessing what made that bell 
sound; but before I was done with it, I give you my 
word I was sorry I’d gone into the prank. You 
see, I never figured on frightening nervous people. 
I suppose father is bound to hear some talk about 
me, because there never is a thing done these days 
but what some persons want to saddle it all on me. 
What do you want of me, Frank? ” 


34 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

“ There’s only one thing for you to do, Bob,” re- 
plied the other, regretfully; for as a boy himself he 
could appreciate the humorous side of the affair, 
though he knew Colonel Spencer would be very 
much provoked at hearing complaints again in con- 
nection with one of his sons. 

‘‘ You mean that Fd do well to take the bull by 
the horns, and tell father before he hears it from 
any one else?” remarked Bob, slowly, and with a 
frown on his face ; for this was always a hard thing 
for him to do — face the father who had been so 
kind and indulgent, and whose confidence he had so 
often rather abused. 

“ That’s what Fd advise,” Frank said, quickly. 
“ It’ll take some of the sting out of it for father to 
hear the story straight from you.” 

“ All right, then. I’ll do it, though this is more 
than I counted on when I laid out to puzzle the good 
people of sleepy old Clayton,” announced the cul- 
prit. 

‘‘I’m glad to hear you say that,” declared his 
brother. “ And let me tell you, when Casper Bland 
and another man came hurrying down from the 
tower, to tell how they had searched it all over, and 
could find no living being there, while the bell kept 
on tolling, there were some pretty badly frightened 
people in that crowd. But when we took a lantern 
up, we soon found your rope, which Mrs. Bridget 
Flannigan identified as the clothes-line she left 


The Ghost in the Belfry Tower 35 

strung in her back yard. Well, you had your fun, 
Bob, and now I know you’re equal to standing for 
the penalty ; only don’t wait too long, or some busy- 
body will get ahead of you.” 

Father hasn’t gone to his office yet, has he? ” 
demanded the other; “ then I’ll be apt to catch him 
in the library; but I do hope mother will be kept 
busy in the kitchen with the hired girl, for I 
shouldn’t want her to hear what I’ve got to tell. 
The pained look in her eyes always haunts me. 
Many’s the time I have vowed to stop this foolish- 
ness because of her feeling so badly; but somehow 
it just seems to break loose once in so often. If they 
would only let me do what I want, and join the 
life-saving service. I’m sure it would come to an 
end, because then I’d have an outlet for this bot- 
tled-up energy. I’m going now, Frank.” 

And he did, as straight as anything, with Frank 
watching his course to the library, and nodding his 
head with satisfaction; for at least Bob had the 
merit of being ready to face the music, whenever 
he had done mischief. 

What happened there no one else ever knew ; but 
when Bob came out, he looked unusually sober, and 
all that day he kept aloof from his brothers, wan- 
dering through country lanes on his bicycle, as 
though wrapped up in his reflections. 

When he reached home that evening it was to 
find that Uncle David had dropped in for a brief 


36 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

visit He was a very busy officer in Uncle Sam’s 
Secret Service, yet once in a while he found an op- 
portunity to visit Clayton, and see his folks for a 
short time. 

Of course all the news of the town was soon re- 
tailed for the amusement of Uncle David, and thus 
he was told of the night alarm that had brought 
everybody out, when the church bell tolled in such 
a mysterious fashion, and folks had begun to think 
it the work of spirits. 

And that night, after all the boys had gone to 
their rooms, there was a very serious consultation 
in the library between Bob’s parents and the uncle. 

“ Listen to what I’m going to say, brother,” re- 
marked Uncle David, soberly. “ That boy is not 
bad in the least, but just filled to the brim with a 
desire for nervous excitement. Give it to him. Let 
him have his heart’s wish, and join the life-saving 
service. He is young, but splendidly built, and 
equipped for the work. I know the General Super- 
intendent, in Washington, very well, and if you say 
the word I’ll try to see if we can get Bob the ap- 
pointment. It will be excellent training for the boy, 
and knock this nonsense out of his head, believe 
me.” 

Colonel Spencer glapced toward his wife, whose 
gentle eyes were filled with tears she could not sup- 
press. But she knew that her husband was capable 
of deciding on what was best, so she simply hid her 


The Ghost in the Belfry Tower 37 

face in her hands, and left the settlement all to him. 

“ Fm already half inclined to take you at your 
word, David,” said Bob’s father ; it might look 
like heroic treatment, but as you say, if all turns 
out well, it is going to be the making of the boy. 
Yes, I think you may see the General Superinten- 
dent when you go back to Washington, and write 
me as to the results.” 


CHAPTER V 


GLORIOUS NEWS 

‘‘ Where’s Bob? I want to ask him about some- 
thing,” and as Dave said this he dropped down 
alongside Frank and Sam, who were lounging under 
the favorite apple tree not far from the house. 

It was about nine o’clock on the morning follow- 
ing the coming of Uncle Dave; and the latter busy 
gentleman had already slipped off to the station, 
having received a wire to the effect that his presence 
was immediately needed at headquarters in Wash- 
ington ; for as may be remembered, he was attached 
to the Secret Service, and handled many of the im- 
portant cases of the Government. 

Oh ! father hasn’t gone to the office yet, though 
it’s long past his regular hour; and he sent Janice 
out to say he wanted to have a talk with Bob,” re- 
marked Sam ; “ I’m afraid the boy’s been up to some 
more of his pranks, for mother looked tearful this 
morning, and I noticed that she watched Bob all 
through breakfast.” 

“ Oh ! the worst is over, so far as that goes,” re- 
marked Frank, with a chuckle; ** for I coaxed Bob 
38 


Glorious News 


39 


yesterday to go in and confess all about it. Still, 
this may have something to do with that bell-tolling 
business — a sort of after-clap, as you might call it.” 

Hello ! then that was some of Bob’s work, was 
it?” ejaculated Sam, with a grin; for he was a 
genuine boy, big fellow that he seemed, and could 
appreciate a lark as well as the next one, though 
never as a rule engaging in such things himself. 

‘‘ To tell you the honest truth,” Dave admitted, 
after he and Sam had laughed over the account of 
how the fellows accompanying Frank up into the 
belfry tower had been alarmed when they found 
no one there, and yet heard the bell clang in that 
mysterious way, I suspected that Bob might have 
a finger in that pie, for the simple reason that there 
isn’t another fellow in Clayton equal to carrying out 
so clever a scheme; but I didn’t mean to say any- 
thing about it. And since then he has kept so much 
to himself that I began to get bothered.” 

But it’s all plain now, you see,” remarked Sam. 
‘‘ Yes, if Bob had to confess to father I can easily 
understand how mean he must feel over it,” Dave 
went on to say, frowning. That’s always the way 
with poor Bob; he starts so many things just on the 
impulse of the moment, and then calls himself a fool 
afterwards for doing them. But what do you sup- 
pose father wants to see him about again this morn- 
ing? I hope he hasn’t been up to more mischief? ” 
“ That’s just what I’m wondering about,” Frank 


40 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

observed, thoughtfully; “ and every minute I’m ex- 
pecting to see Bob come out this way. To tell you 
the truth, I’m of the opinion that Uncle Dave’s 
hurry visit of last night may have something to do 
with all this business.” 

“ What’s this you’ve got on your mind, Frank? ” 
demanded Dave, suspiciously. 

Hold ybur horses, and have a little patience,” 
chuckled Frank. You’re always so good at ferret- 
ing out things, Dave, set your wits to work now, 
and solve the puzzle, while we’re sitting here waiting 
for Bob to come along with news ! ” 

Dave looked at him with widening eyes. 

You either know a lot more than you’ll admit, 
Frank,” he said, slowly; ‘‘or else you go away 
ahead of me in guessing things. Perhaps, now, you 
saw Uncle Dave before he slipped away this morn- 
ing, while most of us were asleep; and mebbe he 
put a little flea into that sharp ear of yours. Now, 
own up ! ” 

“There’s no need!” burst out Sam just then, 
“ for here comes Bob on the run; and as sure as 
you live he’s burning up with wanting to tell us 
something.” 

“ Then there is something in the wind,” muttered 
Dave, as he turned to watch the brother mentioned 
approaching the spot where they were sprawled 
under the apple tree, and noticed how his face was 
brimful of excitement. 


Glorious News 


41 

Bob upon reaching the others dropped down be- 
side them. 

‘‘ Well, what’s happened to make you look that 
way ? ” demanded Sam, impetuously. 

‘‘ I’ve got news for you, — the greatest news 
ever! ” gasped Bob, turning to look at first one of 
them, and then each of the others; and think how 
lucky it was for me that Uncle Dave just happened 
to drift along here at the right time. He put it up 
to father, and started the ball rolling. When I heard 
what was in the wind I nearly lost my breath, I tell 
you.” 

Well, we’re going to lose ours, too, if you keep 
on waiting much longer before telling all about this 
wonderful thing that’s happened to you,” declared 
Sam, who was a bit impatient in his way. 

Then listen, fellows,” said Bob, triumphantly, 
“ I’m going to join the life-saving service — that is, 
if I can pass the examination successfully, and 
Uncle Dave has enough influence with the superin- 
tendent in Washington to have me taken on; for 
as a rule boys are not allowed to serve Uncle Sam 
as surfmen, you know.” 

Bully for you, and for Uncle Dave too! ” ex- 
claimed Sam, throwing up his hat in sudden ecstacy. 

“ And I’m more than glad to be named after such 
a trump as Uncle Dave ! ” declared the other brother, 
with equal enthusiasm. “ I knew there was some- 
thing brewing, from the way he and father and 


42 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

mother stayed up so long after the rest of us had 
gone to bed. I could hear the sound of their voices 
down in the library when the town clock was strik- 
ing eleven. And so that’s what it’s all about, is it, 
Bob? You can be sure that w^re all of us just 
crazy with delight over your good luck, even if we 
will miss you terribly here at home. But then we’re 
all getting on in years, and it won’t be long before 
the rest of us will be wanting to fly away from the 
home nest.” 

‘‘ But do you think you can answer the require- 
ments?” asked Sam, anxiously. 

“ I reckon I can — that is, if my size counts for 
anything, and Uncle Dave can influence the people 
at Washington to overlook my lack of years,” re- 
plied Bob, promptly. “ You know how I’ve been 
studying up on this subject right along. I can pull 
an oar as well as any man; and if I do say it myself, 
there are few fellows who feel more at home in the 
water than I do.” 

But what is a life-saver expected to do? ” asked 
Dave. “For I own up that so far I’ve taken little 
interest in the matter, though after this I’ll feel 
more like investigating, now that I’m likely to have 
a brother in the service.” 

“ Why, you see,” Bob went on to explain, with 
the greatest eagerness possible ; “ there are stations 
located all along both seaboards, as well as on the 
Great Lakes, where, during certain portions of the 


Glorious News 


43 


year, crews of surf men are on constant duty, 
patrolling the beach from sunset to sunrise, for a 
distance of some two miles on either side of the 
station. And if the day is foggy they have to keep 
it up then the sarne^way, for that is the dangerous 
time with coasting vessels that lose their bearings, 
and come too close to the sand flats or the reefs.” 

‘‘Well, that sounds interesting, anyhow,” re- 
marked Dave. “ And in case a surfman does dis- 
cover a vessel in danger, what will he do ? ” 

“ Why, you see, every patrolman carries Coston 
signals with him at all times. If he sees a vessel 
nearing a danger point he lights a flare to warn the 
captain off. It gives a brilliant steady fire for about 
two minutes or so. And if the ship is already on 
the bar or the reef this tells the wrecked mariners 
that their plight is known, and that the patrolman 
is about to hurry off for assistance.” 

“ Go on, tell us some more. Bob,” urged Sam, 
who was especially interested, since some day, 
sooner or later, he hoped to be aboard a Government 
vessel, ploughing the broad seas, when this informa- 
tion might be of great value to him. 

“If the wreck is close at hand the life boat is 
launched from the ways at the station,” continued 
the eager applicant for a position in Uncle Sam’s 
service. “ But in case it happens to be at some dis- 
tance away, then the lighter surfboat is hauled 
overland to a point opposite the scene of danger, 


44 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

and launched there. Of course the surf men are so 
well trained in getting a boat out over the breakers 
that they can manage what would seem next to 
impossible to most fellows. And that’s where I’ll 
have to put in my best licks practicing, because I’ve 
never been through any sort of surf. But it won’t 
scare me a whit — no siree ! ” 

“ I should think not,” asserted Frank, confidently, 
for no one had ever seen Bob show the white feather 
on any occasion. ‘‘ But after the boat is launched, 
what then ? ” 

“ Why,” the eager Bob went on to say, “ they 
row out to the wreck, and take the people off, one at 
a time, women and children first, if there are any. 
No baggage or goods will be allowed in the boat as 
long as a single life remains to be saved.” 

“ But sometimes the surf must be so wild that it 
would be impossible to launch anything in the shape 
of a boat; isn’t that so?” demanded Dave. 

‘‘ Sure thing,” replied the other, “ and they are 
all prepared for such times. Every life-saving 
station is fully supplied with boats, wreck guns, 
beach apparatus, restoratives, and all such things. 
A shot with a small line attached is fired directly 
across the wrecked vessel. Those on board are 
expected to haul on this line until they get hold of 
a tail block, with a whip or endless line rove through 
it. This tail block is hauled aboard as quickly as 
possible, to avoid having the whip drift off with the 


Glorious News 


45 

set of the current, or foul with the wreckage, you 
see.’' 

‘‘ I remember now,” interrupted Sam, eagerly ; 
“ they fasten the block to the mast, and haul a 
hawser aboard from the shore, which will bring the 
breeches buoy along; and then one by one the 
wrecked sailors can go ashore. Am I right. Bob ? ” 

“ That’s about how it stands, though there are a 
heap of things about it that I’m too excited to ex- 
plain just now. Perhaps when I’m on duty I may 
write out the whole program for you in a letter. 
But just to think how anxious I’ll be till father 
gets word from Uncle Dave! The days will seem 
like years ; but I feel so sure of going that I mean to 
spend pretty much all my time laying plans. And 
fellows, take it from me that I’m done with my 
foolish ways from this time on. You see, father 
told me that this life-saving business was too 
serious to allow of any pranks; and I promised him, 
with my hand held up just like this, that I’d turn 
over a new leaf. When a fellow expects to serve 
the Government in a responsible position it’s time 
he takes himself seriously.” 

‘‘ Hear! hear! Good for you. Bob, old fellow! ” 
exclaimed Dave, clapping the other heartily on the 
back. 

But although Bob was certainly in earnest in his 
resolution to avoid giving his parents any further 
cause for anxiety or distress of mind, circumstances 


46 Bob Spencer the fcife Saver 

arose in the near future through which he found 
himself forced into a situation whereby his name 
was on everybody’s lips. 

And even though Uncle Dave might be successful 
in his personal application to headquarters of the 
Life Saving Service at Washington, the people of 
Clayton were not likely soon to forget Bob Spencer. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE FIRE 

Clang ! Clang ! Clang ! 

Once again did the sound of a bell loudly rung 
awaken the folks of Clayton. Some of them raised 
their heads, listened; and then with a grunt simply 
rolled over again, once more to go to sleep, mutter- 
ing that while you might “ fool all the people some 
of the time, and some of them all the time, you 
couldn’t hoodwink all the people all the time.” 

The Spencer boys were among the very first to 
bounce out from the covers; for they occupied two 
big adjoining rooms. 

‘‘ Fire ! ” shrilled Sam, excitedly. 

‘‘ Mebbe so,” remarked the more cautious Dave, 
as he poked his head through the open doorway 
connecting the dormitories; ‘‘but tell me first 
where’s Bob? ” 

“ Oh ! I’m here all right,” chuckled the party 
mentioned, “ getting dressed as quick as I can, let 
me tell you. I reckon that’s a fire, all the same, 
unless some of the other fellows in town have taken 
up my job of amusing people.” 

47 


48 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

‘‘ So much for a bad example, you see,” declared 
Frank. Like the rest of them he was throwing on 
his clothes just as speedily as he could. 

Probably there is nothing, even the coming of a 
circus to town, that excites the average boy quite so 
much as to be aroused at dead of night by the wild 
alarm of the fire bell, or the pounding of the steel 
engine-wheel rim that serves as a fire gong in many 
a country town. 

When Sam started forth his four brothers were 
close at his heels. It mattered little that several of 
them were only partly dressed, and pulling on 
jackets as they ran; for the main thing was to get 
on the scene as quickly as possible. Who wants to 
miss even a part of the excitement, when fires only 
come rarely to country communities ? 

Others were headed that way too, for presently 
they met several more boys; and there were men 
on the run too, though many of the strapping fel- 
lows of the town had to respond to the summons 
of the bell, being fire laddies. 

There was little trouble in deciding where the 
conflagration must be. Already a red glow was 
lighting up the clouds overhead, a ruddy painting 
of the heavens that gave the boys fresh cause for 
eagerness and anxiety. 

“ ItV the old Scruggins mill, that’s what ! ” 
ventured Fred, who often wandered about the 
country in his search for objects that excited his 


The Fire 


49 

interest along the line of Nature study, and who 
knew considerable about the lay of the land. 

‘‘ No ’tain’t, either,” gasped Sam; “ because that 
lies a little further to the West of where this fire 
is.” 

“ Guess you’re right, Sam,” admitted Fred, 
always ready to own up when he had reason to be- 
lieve himself on the wrong tack. 

“ There, did you see that tongue of flame rise up 
above the trees?” burst out Frank. “Whew! this 
is going to be some fire, believe me, fellows ! ” 

“Oh! I don’t know,” came from Dave, who was 
tagging along close in the rear, and as usual using 
his thinking apparatus, “ seems to me it might only 
be that ramshackle house belonging to Old Tate, 
who owns so much property around Clayton.” 

“Bully for you, Dave!” cried Frank; “you’ve 
hit the right nail on the head.” 

“ That’s what he has,” added Chase Collins, 
Dave’s chum, who was coming back of the Spencer 
boys ; “ it’s sure the haunted house, as we used to call 
the old place. And some people I know will be glad 
if it does go up in smoke. Wonder now if any 
fellow could have sneaked out there to-night, and 
put a match to the same? Some of that tricky 
Webster crowd used to call it their club-house a 
while back. Mebbe they got to smokin’, and started 
things going.” 

“ Oh ! shucks, you’re away off there. Chase,” said 


50 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Dave, who seemed to know everything that was 
going on around town ; ** don’t you remember that 
the women got after Old Tate, and begged him to 
either tear down the old building, or else fix it up 
half-way decent, so somebody could live in it? And 
as he never likes to throw his cigar butts away, but 
rams ’em in his pocket to use in his pipe at home, 
why he had the carpenters just patch the haunted 
house up a bit. And I’ve heard tell that a family 
named Bodkins has been campin’ out there a month 
back.” 

'‘Wow! and didn’t I hear mother and Janice 
telling about them having a bunch of children, too ? ” 
cried Sam, who had a very tender heart. 

" Hurry, fellows ! ” shouted Bob, at hearing this 
piece of news, which seemed to excite him very 
much. Although the others certainly strained every 
nerve and muscle. Bob outstripped them in the race 
easily. 

Shortly afterwards all came in sight of the fire. 
It was an impressive sight to any lad, and the 
Spencer boys were so constituted that anything of 
this kind appealed strongly to them. 

The old two-story building that had been patched 
up by the miserly landlord. Old Tate, was certainly 
going up in flame and smoke at last, as many per- 
sons had long ago predicted it would, sooner or 
later. 

“ Say, look at her burn, would you ! ” cried Chase 


The Fire 


SI 

Collins, who still hung on to the rear of the racing 
group of boys. 

'' Going like a house afire is an old saying ! ” 
called back Frank over his shoulder. 

“But see Bob, he’s there already!” remarked 
Fred. “ Did you ever know anybody to get over 
the ground like he does ? ” 

“ When there’s anything worth while going on ; 
or else somebody’s chasing after him in a hurry. 
Bob sure can give points to the rest of the crowd,” 
Dave admitted. 

When the panting lads arrived near the blazing 
house they found an excited group there. Some of 
the neighbors had evidently reached the scene be- 
fore the town fellows, and from the sight of a lot 
of wretched furniture scattered about the open 
space these kind-hearted people must have pitched 
right in, endeavoring to rescue whatever was pos- 
sible before the fire made a clean sweep of things. 

But now it was too late to do anything more in 
this line, for the old building was so dry and 
seasoned that it burned like tinder; and smoke was 
pouring out of nearly every door and window. 

Even when the firemen did arrive with their 
apparatus the chances were they could do little or 
nothing to save the house, which was plainly 
doomed. Still, no doubt they would make a great 
holiday of the occasion, smashing all the windows 
with their fire axes, and climbing on the roof of 


52 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the porch to send a stream of water into the blazing 
interior, until the contents of the cistern had been 
exhausted; after which they would stand around 
and watch the shell of the building fall into the 
mass of red ashes, telling of other fires where they 
had been able to at least save the adjoining houses. 

Frank, looking around, quickly picked out the 
family who had been occupying the fated house, 
and whom Dave had spoken of as the Bodkinses ” 

The father seemed to be a lame man, whom they 
afterwards discovered had himself been quite a fire- 
fighter in one of the cities; and being permanently 
injured in the pursuit of his business had been re- 
tired on half pay, moving to the country in the hope 
of living better on a small income, with a garden, 
and chickens, and a cow in prospect another year. 

The mother was a large woman, evidently quite 
capable of managing a family ; and around her were 
clustered half a dozen youngsters of all ages, partly 
dressed, with their eyes seemingly popping out of 
their heads as they watched their home go up in the 
grip of their father’s old enemy, Fire. 

Frank wondered who would be good enough to 
invite the poor, stricken family home to spend the 
balance of the night, and keep them until they could 
find some other vacant habitation. He knew his 
mother was tender-hearted, and meant to take it 
upon himself, if his father did not show up, to see 
what could be done for them. 


The Fire 


53 


All this while the fire was crackling away, and 
spreading to other parts of the house, which before 
very long would be a complete wreck. 

What ails the boys with the machine?” called 
out one man, as he listened in vain to catch the 
usual boisterous shouts announcing the coming of 
the Clayton Hook and Ladder Company. 

‘‘Hey! Scrubby Jones, who’s just come along, 
says as how they got mired in Shuster Bottoms, 
where the creek spreads over the road and makes 
a mudhole,” a panting boy answered him. 

That caused a general laugh for, as it was not 
their house that was afire, most of those present 
felt that they could enjoy anything in the way of 
fun that came along. 

“ Oh ! they’ll be here yet,” announced another 
loyal adherent of the fire company. 

“ Sure, in time to throw the contents of the 
cistern on the ashes ; might as well all go together,” 
jeered another fellow. 

“ Whew I look at her jump, will you? ” cried Sam 
Spencer, as a sudden spurt of fire shot upward, 
with a slight shift in the wind which had started 
to blow at a more lively rate. 

Frank was glancing over the wretched array of 
stuff that had been dragged out of the reach of the 
flames. 

“No piano-player there, nor yet a talking ma- 
chine, or a china closet,” he said to Bob, who 


54 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

chanced to be close by, possibly also interested in 
seeing what the Bodkins family would have, to 
start housekeeping again. ‘‘ But then I reckon 
these old things are just about as precious to them 
as mother's best china is in her eyes." 

I shouldn’t wonder, Frank," replied Bob, shak- 
ing his head. ‘‘ Too bad, for they seem to be a 
pretty nice family too. I like the looks of some of 
the youngsters; don’t you? And Mr. Bodkins 
seems as if he might be a man with something in his 
head. Too bad he’s crippled so. Dave was just tell- 
ing me he used to be a fireman in the city, and got 
hurt in a big blaze, where he saved the life of his 
chief at the risk of his own. I’d like to know that 
man, and I will if I don’t get away soon from 
Clayton." 

‘‘What ails his wife, do you think?" suddenly 
demanded Frank. “ Look at her carrying on like 
she’s been taken with a fit, wringing her hands and 
crying! Everybody’s running that way, so come 
on, let’s see what’s happened ! ’’ 

Bob hastened after his older brother. He thought 
it strange that the woman, who up to then had 
seemed to be taking things much more composedly 
than her lame husband, should so suddenly give 
way. Could it be that she had remembered some- 
thing valuable that she had forgotten in the excite- 
ment and haste of making a speedy exit from the 
burning building? That would be too bad, for the 


The Fire 


55 

chances were now it was far too late to think of 
rushing in there just to hunt for an old family heir- 
loom or two. 

But when the boys came nearer the group they 
heard words uttered that gave them a severe shock. 

It’s the Bodkins baby! ” cried one woman, who 
had come hurrying over from the nearest farm- 
house. The mother told the oldest darter to fetch 
it out, and she was that frightened she never looked 
in the crib, but just snatched it up and came that 
way. All the while they’ve been thinkin’ the baby 
was asleep in there; but it ain’t so, and now the 
mother remembers that she took it in bed with her. 
And it’s been forgot in all the rush ! Oh ! my stars, 
did you ever hear of such a terrible thing? Poor 
little baby, smothered and burned in that awful 
fire!” 

“What’s all that?” cried Bob Spencer, as he 
came rushing up. “ Do you mean to tell me there’s 
somebody been left behind in the house? ” 

“ Yes,” volunteered a bystander, “ they say it’s 
the little baby, asleep under the bed covers. They 
all had the notion it’d been carried out in the crib. 
Never knowed different till just now, when the old- 
est gal went to see how it was gettin’ on, and found 
the crib empty ! ” 

Bob jumped toward the spot where the mother 
stood — the centre of a wildly-excited crowd, wring- 


^6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

ing her hands, and crying as though her heart would 
break : 

** My poor baby ! Oh ! won’t somebody go in and 
bring her out before it’s too late? If John wasn’t 
so crippled that he can hardly move you’d see him 
take chances. He never knew what it was to be 
afraid of anything, when he was able. It’s my 
baby, I tell you! Oh! is everybody a coward, that 
you can hear a mother asking you to save her prec- 
ious little one, and not a man of you make a 
move ? ” 

Some of them writhed under these words. But 
they turned and looked at the burning house, and 
remembered that they had wives and children them- 
selves at home, to whom their lives were worth con- 
siderable. At any rate it seemed as though it must 
be a reckless thing for anyone to even dream of 
rushing into all that fire and smoke, to grope around, 
and perhaps fall a victim. 

A baby’s life was well worth saving, but 

Bob Spencer gave one look at the fire. Then he 
pushed his way into the midst of the crowd around 
the almost distracted mother. If he was going to 
be a life-saver on the sea, that should not debar him 
from starting in ashore. 

‘‘ Tell me how to get to the room where you left 
the baby ! ” he said to the woman. 

She looked at him. Perhaps admiration shone 


The Fire 


57 

in her eyes, but it was almost immediately over- 
shadowed by fear. 

Oh ! you’re only a boy, and you’ve got a mother 
of your own ! ” she wailed, again wringing her 
hands. 

‘Tell him what he asks,” said a man standing 
nearby. “That’s Bob Spencer!” just as though 
those few words had a world of meaning; and in 
all his life Bob never felt prouder than just then, 
to know that despite his bad record for practical 
jokes, folks did believe in his natural bravery. 

Quickly she explained how the stairs lay just be- 
yond the open door, and that it was in the room to 
the left at the end of the hall above that the baby 
lay. 

“Take care. Bob, remember!” Frank urged his 
reckless brother, as with white face he saw him 
start toward the blazing house. 

And Bob, turning to send one reassuring glance 
back over his shoulder as he ran, simply called out 
cheerily : 

“ Oh! I’ll be all right, Frank; watch how easy it 
can be done ! ” But, nevertheless, Frank’s heart 
seemed in his throat as he saw his brother vanish 
amidst the smoke. 


CHAPTER VII 


IN HIS LINE OF BUSINESS 

‘‘Who was that went in there?” asked a man 
who had just come up in time to see the vanishing 
figure of Bob as he rushed into the house, having 
first taken the precaution to dabble his handker- 
chief in the water trough nearby, and tie it over his 
mouth and nostrils. 

“ It's Bob Spencer, and he's gone in to try and 
find the baby that was forgotten in the rush to get 
out ! ” another informed him. 

“ Well, he's a brave one, all right,'' the newcomer 
admitted, “ and I’ve heard tell of some of his do- 
ings, both good and bad, before now; but I'm afraid 
his mother will have cause to weep, as well as that 
forgetful one yonder, who could let her baby stay 
behind while she was trying to save herself.'' 

Frank heard this kind of talk all around him, 
but he paid little notice to what was said. His 
whole attention was taken up in watching for the 
first sign of his brother Bob, who had ventured to 
accept the terrible chances, simply through his 
love for daring, and because he had been touched 
by the grief of the heart-broken mother. 

S« 


In His Line of Business 59 

“ Let's get closer, and p’raps we might be able to 
help him,” suggested Dave; for somehow the 
brothers seemed to have come together at this dread- 
ful moment, when one of their number had volun- 
tarily placed himself in danger. 

“ Yes,” added Frank, “ he might manage to get 
to the room where the baby was left, but find him- 
self cut off from going back again. Then, you 
see, we might be on hand to help. Here, boys, pick 
up some of these bedclothes lying in a heap, who 
knows but what they might come in handy ? ” 

Several men saw what he meant, and were quick 
to take a hint, each of them snatching up a blanket 
or a comfortable, as the chance offered. Then they 
pushed up as close to the wall of the building as they 
could, keeping watchful eyes on the windows above 
in the hope of discovering signs of Bob. 

Frank had heard what the woman said about 
the room where she had been sleeping at the time 
the fire broke out so suddenly. He therefore led 
his brothers in that quarter, and believed he was 
able to tell exactly which windows belonged to the 
room in question. 

These were not so high up but that an agile 
fellow like Bob could drop to the ground, should it 
be necessary; and in fact, the chances were that 
an exit that way might be much safer than to try 
and go back down the stairs. 

It was very hot, standing there, and the boys felt 


6o Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

as though the skin would peel from their faces, 
so they tried to shelter themselves by means of 
coats, or the bed covers they had brought along. 

Frank had selected the strongest blanket, and 
meant to make use of it, should Bob appear in 
sight, bearing the baby, which could be dropped 
down, and thus saved. The one great question with 
him now was whether the boy, battling with the 
smoke that must hurt his eyes, could find his way 
at all to the specified room. 

The fact that Bob had been all through the old 
house many times when playing in the vicinity 
with some of his mates, seemed to be in his favor. 
He ought to know about the arrangement of the 
interior, though it was always possible to become 
bewildered while trying to grope his way along. 

Frank hoped that would not occur. It was the one 
thing he feared, because Bob was so impetuous, so 
daring, that he sometimes acted from very impulse, 
and without reasoning things out. 

A minute, — ^two of them — must have passed, and 
to those boys waiting there it seemed ten times as 
long. They could hear the fire crackling fiercely, 
and even knew when some of the burned rafters 
over the kitchen, where the blaze seemed to have 
started, fell with a crash into the ruins beneath. 

Eagerly they watched above, their eyes ranging 
from window to window, and with the heat almost 
burning their skin despite the shields they had 


In His Line of Business 6i 

raised. Smoke continued to pour out wherever it 
found a vent; great clouds of it, that, now and 
then, held a tongue of flame in addition. 

Meanwhile Bob — brave Bob — was groping his 
way into the house, every nook and cranny of which 
seemed filled with smoke, or with the hotter flames. 

For a moment, after passing the charred thresh- 
hold, Bob’s heart failed him. He could see nothing 
for a few seconds, and, mingled with the crackle 
of flames, and the crash of falling timbers, he 
could hear the dull murmur of the crowd outside. 
And then, above everything else, came the wail of 
the frantic mother: 

‘‘ My baby ! Oh, my baby ! Save my baby ! ” 

If Bob, only for an instant, had been tempted 
to turn back, his rash intention gone, this cry 
would have stiffened his waning courage. But 
it was not needed. Bob never left a thing, once 
he had started it, unless it were utterly impossible. 

“ Fm going to get that baby ! ” he muttered. 
** I’m going to do it ! ” 

Even in the desperate state of mind that was 
necessary to urge him onward, Bob did not lose 
his usual caution. He realized that, by keeping low 
down, he would find better air, since the flames 
and smoke always go upward; cold air lying near 
the floor, as it is heavier than heated air. 

“Let me see — what did she say?” murmured 
Bob, forcing his reeling brain to activity. He 


62 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

felt his senses leaving him, because of the smoke 
that choked him, but he fought back the sensation. 
“ The room to the left — at the end of the hall — up 
the stairs beyond the door — that’s how I’m to go — 
that’s how I’ve got to go ! ” Bob fiercely told him- 
self. 

He staggered on. For a moment, from one room, 
there swept across the hall a tongue of flame. 

Bob drew back, and crouched lower down. The 
flame passed over him, and he held his breath for 
he knew it might be death to inhale that. But it 
was but a momentary puff, caused by some back- 
draught, and he was able to reach the stairs. 

Then he struggled upward. The boards were 
hot to his feet, and he felt some of them giving way, 
as the flames had eaten half through them on the 
underside. 

“Got to hustle!” Bob told himself, grimly. 

On he went, bounding up the stairs. The smoke 
was thicker now, and as he reached the upper hall 
he had to crawl on his hands and knees in order 
to breathe. At one place he saw where some 
charred beams had fallen from the roof. 

He gave a leap over them, coming down sprawl- 
ing on the other side, and half choked by the smoke 
he had breathed. On he went, trying to keep his 
reeling senses from going. 

He staggered into the room where he had been 
told the child was. He groped about in the black- 


In His Line of Business 63 

ness, slipping and stumbling until he found the bed. 
Then he felt along in it until his fingers encountered 
a bundle. 

‘‘ The baby 1 ’’ he gasped. Clasping it close to 
him, and seeing that it was fully covered by a 
blanket. Bob groped his way out into the hall again. 
He stooped once, to get a mouthful of compara- 
tively cool air near the floor, and then made a 
dash through the flame-tinted smoke to where dimly 
he saw a casement. 

“ There he is ! ” suddenly shouted Dave, whose 
sharp eyes were the first to discover that a figure 
had appeared in one of the windows above. 

‘^Has he got my baby?” shrieked the mother, 
who was hovering not a great way off, and must 
have overheard what Dave said. 

“ He’s got some sort of a bundle in his arms ! ” 
Frank called out at the top of his voice, for the 
crackling of the fire made talking difficult. 

There was a cheer from the crowd. Although 
they might not see their way clear to rushing into 
blazing buildings themselves, at the risk of their 
lives, men and boys could appreciate the daring 
of one who did not hesitate an instant when he 
believed the call to duty had come. 

Frank pushed forward even closer to the wall of 
the house, so as to get nearly under the window 
where Bob crouched. No matter' if the heat did 
seem to fairly blister, they must do their part 


64 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

toward assisting their brother save that baby. And 
Sam, who held the other end of the blanket, was 
not the one to hesitate either; he could certainly 
go where Frank dared venture. 

Now, drop it down, and be careful how you 
aim! ’’ called Frank, as he opened his arms as wide 
as he could, and maintained a strong grip on two 
of the corners of the blanket, while Sam did like- 
wise. 

Almost immediately the bundle was dropped. 
Truth to tell, it was getting mighty uncomfortable 
up there where Bob was on his knees at the window. 
He could barely see, such was the sting of the 
smoke ; but he had sense enough to know that when 
Frank said drop it,’’ he must be in a position to 
catch the descending bundle, the baby being wrapped 
snugly in the bedclothes. 

Hardly had it lodged there in the stretched 
blanket than the frantic mother came dashing down 
upon them, snatched the bundle up in her arms, 
and then again hurried away, pressing it wildly to 
her bosom. 

But Frank for the time being forgot all about 
the baby. Bob was still up there, and even while 
he looked he saw a tongue of fire shoot out of 
the very next window to the one the boy occupied, 
proving that he must be in a dangerous position. 

‘'Jump out. Bob; we’ll break your fall! Get 
hold here, Fred, Dave, each grip one corner tight 



“Now, drop it down, and be careful how you aim 


99 






In His Line of Business 65 

now! Come along Bob; it’s the best you can do! 
Trust us to hold you!” 

And so Bob did drop down, first lowering him- 
self part way out of the window. He fell squarely 
in the blanket, and while the weight of his body 
caused Fred to let go his hold, so that the descend- 
ing boy rolled to the ground, his fall was well 
broken, and they saw him scramble to his feet im- 
mediately. 

A roar of cheers went up from the anxious 
crowd. As Bob ran nimbly away from the burn- 
ing house, anxious to get cold water on his face, 
and in his eyes, men and boys endeavored to crowd 
-around him, every one wishing to shake his hand. 

“Keep back, and let him alone!” cried Frank, 
as with his brothers he formed a cordon around 
Bob, who was sucking * in water, and laving his 
burning face in it, with the greatest delight. 

“ How about the baby — was it all right ? ” he 
asked, eagerly, as he paused for a minute, with 
his head dripping, and his face rosy red. 

“ Reckon it must be,” said a man nearby ; “ be- 
cause the women are passing it around from one 
to another, and kissing it nigh to death right now. 
You done a big thing that time. Bob Spencer!” 

“ Hurrah ! ” shouted the crowd, enthusiastically. 

Some one tugged at Bob’s jacket, and looking 
down he saw that it was the oldest Bodkins girl. 
Her name was Susie, and Bob thought she was as 


66 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

pretty as any one he could remember just then; 
though she was still overwhelmed with shame 
at the thought of having carried out the crib in 
her excitement, without once looking to see whether 
the little baby sister was in it under the disturbed 
covers. 

“ Mother wants you to come over there,’' she 
said, simply, still hanging on to Bob’s jacket, as 
though determined that he must not refuse. 

Now that was the way with Bob. He was a 
most modest boy, and would much rather they 
let him alone and forget all about it. He had done 
his little act just because he liked to take chances, 
and couldn’t bear the thought of a baby being 
left to those flames. Besides, he meant to be a life- 
saver for Uncle Sam, and this seemed to be just 
in his line of work. 

‘‘ No you don’t, old fellow! ” said Frank, know- 
ing from the way Bob looked quickly around that 
he was contemplating a retreat, so as to avoid all 
this nuisance of being made so much of ; “ they 
want to thank you, and you ought not to dis- 
appoint the mother. Besides, don’t you want to 
see the baby you saved ? And this girl here doesn’t 
mean to let you run away — not much.” 

So Bob had to allow himself to be escorted over 
to where the whole Bodkins family, together with 
all the women on hand, and some men as well, 
were gathered. Here the really embarrassed boy 


In His Line of Business 


67 

was allowed to kiss the little bundle of humanity 
that was cooing and crowing in its mother’s arms 
as though fires never gave it the least concern; 
and why should they when there were brave boys 
around, ready to dare any sort of danger when 
called upon \o rescue one in peril ? 

And when the crippled Mr. Bodkins squeezed his 
hand, and with tears in his eyes told him that 
in all his life as a fire fighter in the city he had 
never seen a more dashing exploit at life-saving 
than Bob’s recent one, then the boy felt fully re- 
paid ; for he knew that this man had been “ through 
the mill,” and could speak from experience. 

And the next morning, when his own mother 
put her arms around his neck, and looking into his 
face with swimming eyes, simply kissed him 
tenderly. Bob did not need to be told what was 
in her mind. His father, too, was only too pleased 
to say how proud he was to know that it had been 
one of his boys who had been so ready to venture 
into the burning house in order to save a life. 

That day all Clayton talked of little else save 
what a fine thing it was in young Bob to get that 
baby out of the fire unharmed; and doubtless just 
then much that he had done in the past to plague 
the good citizens, through his boyish love of fun, 
was forgotten — swallowed up in the pride they took 
in telling that that was the stripe of boys they 
raised in “ good old Clayton/’ 


68 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Through Frank the stricken family had been 
looked after that night of the fire ; and his mother, 
taking the case in hand, saw that enough people 
were interested in behalf of the Bodkinses to insure 
them a comfortable home, and replenish the house- 
hold goods that had been lost in the flames. 

The days passed, and Bob was anxious to learn 
if his father had received a letter from Uncle David, 
who must be in Washington by this time, with 
plenty of chances to see the people at the head- 
quarters of the life-saving service; he only hoped 
that when the letter did come, it would bring him 
the wished-for news. 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE BARN DANCE 

On the second day after the burning of the old 
house, word came to the Spencer boys that there 
was going to be a country dance some little distance 
from town. A new barn had been erected by a 
well-to-do farmer by the name of Slimmons; and 
as he chanced to have a couple of pretty daughters, 
they had of course seized upon the chance to invite 
a dozen or more couples of the boys and girls from 
town, and start things right by having some in- 
nocent fun. 

The farmer, being under petticoat rule,” as he 
often humorously admitted, told them to go ahead, 
only he meant to be on hand and make sure that 
nothing happened to endanger his new barn, which 
had not yet been insured. For when there has 
been one fire in a community people think about 
such things for awhile. 

The Spencer boys were among those who were 
invited, because they happened to be on very good 
terms with the Slimmons girls. 

69 


70 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Fred did not care to go, as he seldom bothered 
about such amusements. To him there was more 
pleasure in poring over some musty old book on 
how to create new forms of plant life, as the won- 
derful wizard out in California was doing right 
along, than to circle around a bam floor to the tune 
of a fiddle, even with the prettiest girl in Clayton. 

Then Frank had hurt his ankle so that he felt 
obliged to forego the delight of taking his best 
girl; but he made Dave promise to see her there, 
and safely home again, because there was another 
fellow who would have been only too glad of the 
chance to do the honors, as Frank well knew. 

Bob thought at first he did not care to go, for 
his face was still much redder than usual, because 
of the heat he had endured at that fire; and then 
again he hated to have people speak of him just 
as though he had really done something wonderful. 

“ Better change your mind about going,” Frank 
had told him when he said he guessed he’d stay 
home. ‘‘ Who knows but what it may be your 
last chance to attend a country dance, if you Should 
get your appointment soon. And then again. I’m 
told that that Bodkins girl Susie is going to be there, 
if she can find anybody to fetch her. You know 
they’re living in Mr. Gregory’s farmhouse back 
of his place now. Better see her there. Bob; you 
saved the baby, now help out the sister ! ” 

Now, of course Frank meant this much in the 


The Barn Dance 


71 


way of a joke; but no matter, Bob did change his 
mind ; and when he appeared at the Slimmons's barn 
that evening he was sure enough escorting the new 
girl in Clayton, Susie Bodkins, who looked as pretty 
as a peach. Bob thought, proud of the fact of bring- 
ing her there, and introducing her to all the rest 
of the young people. 

The interior of the barn had been tastefully dec- 
orated in country fashion. Bundles of corn stood 
in the corners, flowers and fruits were strung around 
plentifully; and while it may not have looked as 
well as might have been the case later in the Fall 
season, when ripe pumpkins and all such were ready 
for the picking, it appeared a Paradise to those care- 
free lads and lassies, as they set about enjoying 
themselves to their hearts’ content. 

Two local fiddlers had been engaged, and seated 
on a raised dais they worked until they seemed 
ready to melt away with the heat. All the old 
familiar tunes were played, and a few that were 
not quite so ancient either; but the dances were of 
that type still so much in vogue among people who 
do not live in the big cities, and yet who get all 
there is to enjoy out of life. 

Bob soon got over his nervous feeling, when he 
found that the young people were not going to 
perpetually bother him about that event of the 
other night. Of course in the eyes of the girls 
Bob was more or less of a hero, and he never had 


72 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the least trouble about getting a partner for every 
dance he chose to join in. 

Now there were several boys who had not re- 
ceived invitations to the barn dance, and felt more 
or less disappointed on this account. They had 
come out all the same, and hovered around the 
building during the evening, ready no doubt to play 
some practical joke if the opportunity presented 
itself, like putting out the lights, filling the floor 
of the barn with something that would put a stop 
to the dancing, or possibly letting a few rats loose 
that had been brought along for the purpose. 

But Farmer Slimmons knew boys, as he had 
raised some of his own; and he had his several 
stout hired men on duty throughout the evening, 
patroling the outside. They knew that these boys 
were looking in through the openings, but so long 
as they made no hostile demonstration the men 
were under orders not to chase them away. 

The warning had gone forth, however, that at 
the first sign of trouble they were to be dealt with 
severely; and so Dan J. Webster, who was the ring- 
leader of the ‘‘ gang,’^ concluded that this was hardly 
the time or place to get even with several of those 
whom they could see enjoying themselves within. 

Toward Bob Spencer in particular this same Dan 
Webster seemed to feel hostile, for he never could 
bear to see any other fellow successful. As he 
said to some of his cronies, ‘‘ just because Bob 


The Barn Dance 


73 


had chosen to walk into that old house that was 
smoking, and hand out a little baby to his brothers, 
why should people act so silly, and call it ‘one 
of the most heroic acts they had ever heard of ? ’ 

Among themselves these three boys made all 
manner of fun of Bob’s dancing. Perhaps Bob may 
not have been quite so graceful as several of the 
other fellows, for he had been built stockily, and 
was at his best when climbing a tree no other boy 
could ascend, clinging to the gutter of a house in 
playing “ conquer,” or mastering stunts that his 
mates refused to attempt. 

Whenever Bob chanced to come near one of the 
openings they managed to let him know they were 
around, and their half whispers reached his ears, 
though he was in too good a humor to let anything 
like these little slurs disturb him ; and so Bob deter- 
mined not to notice anything they said, providing 
they did not go too far. 

This was all very well, but it happened that 
young Webster did not mean to let it stop there. 
He had heard reports to the effect that possibly 
Bob meant to go away somewhere soon; and there 
was a long-standing grudge between them that ought 
to be settled, once and for all, he thought. And 
, likely enough a chance could be found on this very 
night to even the score, now that he had his two 
cronies along to lend a helping hand. 

When Bob started out to act as escort for pretty 


74 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Susie Bodkins to the barn dance certainly such a 
thing as becoming engaged in a fight was far from 
his mind. 

And when those three fellows jumped out of 
the bushes, blocking the way, as he found himself in 
a lonely place about a quarter of a mile from town, 
and declared that they meant to give him the pum- 
meling that had been so long due. Bob could hardly 
believe they meant it. 

“ Better go away, boys, and leave me alone,” 
he said, still in a good humor, because he had had 
a very pleasant evening, all told, and was even now 
escorting a nice girl home; “some other time Fll 
sure accommodate you; but you see Fve got com- 
pany along now, and it wouldn’t be the right thing 
to scare her by any sort of a row. I know you, Dan 
Webster, so you might as well take that handker- 
chief off your face; and you too. Con Tracy and 
Sol Cowdrey. Let us pass, please ! ” 

One of them struck Bob as he was going by. 
Like a flash he turned on them. 

“ Better not try that again, any one of you, that’s 
all ! ” he exclaimed ; when again the boy who was 
behind him, like the coward that he was, raised 
his fist, and gave Bob another severe jolt. 

“ Please stand back here out of the way, Susie,” 
the boy at bay said. “ I see they mean to force it 
on me; and because they’re three to one I reckon 
I ought to be allowed a little liberty to use this.” 


The Barn Dance 


75 

He had snatched up a stout stick, being as quick 
as a cat to see an advantage. When Dan Webster 
and his two cronies started to rush in on him, with 
all sorts of cries calculated to bewilder and alarm 
the object of their attack, they were met by a 
bombardment that caused them to change their 
minds speedily enough. 

It is true that Bob received many a blow himself, 
but he gave generously in return; and moreover 
hustled around with that cudgel so vigorously that 
yells of actual pain followed every time he swung 
it; while several times he knocked one of his as- 
sailants completely over. 

The astonished girl stood there, watching the 
unequal battle. Frightened she undoubtedly must 
have been; but at the same time how could she 
help admiring the way her consort carried himself? 
And doubtless the cries of pain on the part of the 
cowardly trio as the stick found them out, were as 
music in her ears. 

In the end Bob managed to beat them off, so 
that they turned and fled. When he sent out a 
few shouts after them they fell into a panic; and 
one fellow was even heard to stumble, and splash 
into the pond that happened to lie conveniently near. 

Bob, still carrying his cudgel triumphantly, and 
with several discolorations on his face to mark 
where the knuckles of his assailants had struck him, 
saw Susie home; and in answer to her solicitous 


76 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

inquires concerning whether he had been hurt, gaily 
replied : 

‘‘ For every time they got to me I reckon I sent 
in half a dozen whacks that left their mark. And 
believe me, every one of those fellows will go 
around with black eyes, or something like that, for 
weeks. Fm awful sorry it happened while you 
were along, Susie, but I hope you don’t blame me, 
because you know I tried to keep clear of any 
trouble.” 

And when she said that, taking it all in all, she 
didn’t know that she was so very sorry. Bob could 
not understand just what she meant ; and he puzzled 
over that remark all the way home. 

It was true that he had been upset once or twice 
in the scuffle; but being as agile as a cat he had 
been able to recover his balance, and get busy again 
with his stick. Bob believed that he would have 
to keep that same life preserver for all time, just 
to remember the little affair by. 

Bob was an unusally early riser, and being the 
first one awake on the following morning he pro- 
ceeded to dress. He had just finished doing this 
when suddenly he remembered that he had borrowed 
his mother’s little gold watch on the evening before. 
She sometimes allowed Frank to wear it; but Bob 
was in high favor just then, so that his desire to 
put on a few little airs only amused the good mother. 


The Barn Dance 


77 

and the watch had been readily handed over to 
him. 

And when Bob came to look for it, great was 
his astonishment as well as chagrin to find that it 
was missing. Undoubtedly it had fallen from his 
pocket on one of those occasions when he was 
pushed over by the boys with whom he had been 
struggling; and must even then be lying on the 
road where the battle had taken place. 


CHAPTER IX 


THE MISSING WATCH 

None of the others was up, nor would Bob have 
been inclined to take them into his confidence had 
they been awake; for somehow or other he usually 
kept his own counsel, and was not of a confiding 
nature. 

Indeed, his mother had known him to go a long 
time with an injury, determined to stick it out, 
and only confessing that he had hurt himself some 
days before when she noticed him limping. 

It was of course his first and natural thought to 
hasten outside, mount his bicycle, and speed to the 
spot where the encounter of the preceding night 
had occurred. 

Although it had been dark at the time. Bob felt 
positive that he would know just where to look. 
If he had any doubts about it, he might examine 
the border of that little frog-pond, and learn where 
one of the fellows in his haste to leave the scene 
of hostilities, after things had grown too warm for 
comfort, had slipped, lost his moorings, and plunged 
into the said pond. 

The recollection caused Bob to smile grimly; he 
78 


The Missing Watch 79 

could not help it, even if his heart was heavy with 
the possibility of a serious loss, should his mother’s 
cherished watch not be found again. 

He unconsciously allowed one hand to stray to 
his face, tenderly touching a couple of spots where 
he had been struck by the fists of his cowardly 
assailants; but he had been wise enough to glance 
at himself in the glass while brushing his heavy 
head of hair before coming out, and knew that at 
least he did not show any particular signs of the 
fray. 

‘‘ And unless I’m mistaken in my guess that’s 
more than any of that lot can say this fine morn- 
ing,” Bob muttered to himself ; ‘‘for I think I got 
in some mighty good licks with that little stick.” 

Boy-like he seemed to find considerable consola- 
tion in that fact; but perhaps it is human nature to 
feel that one has not suffered in vain ; and it pleased 
Bob also to remember that pretty Susie Bodkins 
had been a witness to his work. He remembered 
that she had even declared she was not so very 
sorry she had been compelled to watch him defend 
himself against three fellows, and that made him 
smile again, for he understood better what she 
meant now. 

Hope buoyed up his spirits as he hurried for- 
ward, after jumping from his wheel. This road 
was not used a great deal, and the chances were 
that no one had come along it this same morning ; so 


8o Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

that if the little gold watch lay there, having fallen 
from his pocket during his struggles, he would find 
it easily. 

Five minutes later Bob was not feeling quite 
so positive about success rewarding his efforts. 
He had gone carefully back and forth, eagerly scru- 
tinizing every foot of the road, and so far without 
discovering the object of which he was in search. 

But perhaps it had been tossed into the grass 
alongside the road. With this new idea in his 
mind, which seemed very plausible too, he started 
to look again, and spent a full half-hour doing so, 
but only to have his labor for his pains. 

Bob was a very stubborn boy, or at least a de- 
termined one. That watch was somewhere, and 
just had to be found. He would look for an hour, 
two of them, and then going home to get a bite 
of breakfast, come back again to renew the hunt. 

Long and faithfully did he search, even combing 
the half-dead grass with his fingers in places; but 
without being rewarded, though he was constantly 
in a fever of expectancy, and believed that he must 
run upon the obstinate little object of his anxiety 
in the course of another minute, for it surely must 
be somewhere. 

Once he stopped to consider the chances of his 
assailants having carried the watch away when 
they ran. Bob, however, quickly made up his mind 
that there was not the slightest possibility of such 


The Missing Watch 8i 

a thing having happened. No, it had fallen from his 
pocket, somehow, and sooner or later he must come 
upon it. 

He went slowly home finally to get some break- 
fast — not that he cared to eat, but was afraid one of 
his brothers might notice his absence, and ask un- 
pleasant questions. 

But they had gone out to look up various com- 
panions before he arrived home, all save studious 
Fred, who was curled up in an easy-chair, devouring 
some volume on the great work the Grovernment was 
doing in the West, along the lines of irrigation. 

Fred called out something to Bob, who simply 
grunted in reply, as he hurried into the dining room, 
only hoping that he might avoid meeting his mother 
just then, for he did not believe he could talk to her 
without confessing all, and he was not ready just 
yet to do that. 

After swallowing a few bites, without any enjoy- 
ment whatever. Bob hurried out to his waiting 
wheel ; and this time when he rode away he carried 
along with him a rake, much to the astonishment 
of Steven, the gardener, who scratched his head in 
sore bewilderment, and wondered what that boy 
was up to now, for Bob was always surprising peo- 
ple some way or other. 

Armed with this implement. Bob fancied that he 
must surely discover the missing watch, which could 
hardly elude his new combing of the grass. 


82 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

He worked steadily all morning, even laying out 
the ground so as to positively cover every foot of 
space; yes, and riding back on his wheel as far as 
the barn where the dance had taken place, under the 
impression that perhaps he had dropped the watch 
before the fight came about. 

It was all useless, and despite his systematic 
efforts he failed to find anything to reward him for 
his labor. 

As Bob stood there, shaking his head and trying 
to conjure up some new method of accomplishing 
his purpose, he told himself that this was the most 
mysterious thing that had ever happened to him. 

Really it would put the shrewd Dave to his very 
best efforts to figure out how that watch could have 
vanished so strangely. Should he take Dave into 
his confidence, and in this way obtain the benefit of 
his advice ? Bob disliked to do so, not that he feared 
Dave would betray his confidence, for he knew his 
brother was as faithful to a trust as the needle is to 
the pole; but Bob hated to confess that anything 
had gotten the better of him. 

So he determined to keep the loss of his mother's 
watch to himself for a little while longer, perhaps 
the balance of that day; and if nothing cropped up 
by the next morning he would get Dave aside, and 
enlist his support. 

Meanwhile he meant to cudgel his brain in an 
effort to conjure up some new way of conducting 


The Missing Watch 83 

the search; for Bob was still of a mind that the 
watch must be within a radius of fifty yards of the 
spot where the encounter had taken place with Dan 
Webster and his cronies. 

Perhaps now, it had been thrown so violently 
from his pocket that it had landed a little further 
away from the road than he had thus far thought 
fit to look for signs of it. 

This idea flashed into his head while on the way 
home to lunch, having spent the entire morning in 
the vain hunt. He had secreted the garden rake in 
the bushes, as he expected to have a further use for 
the same beiore admitting himself ‘‘ down and out.’* 

‘‘ That would explain the mystery,” he told him- 
self, brightening up a bit, for he had been feeling 
downcast over the results of his work ; “ and 
chances are I’ll run across it this very afternoon.” 

But all the same he did not, and for a very good 
reason, because after all Bob failed to continue his 
energetic search; and that missing garden rake 
caused poor Steven considerable trouble, so that he 
finally had to ask Mr. Spencer to supply him with 
another tool ; for the one Bob took away lay hidden 
there back of the bushes for days and weeks and 
months, utterly forgotten. 

As to the reason for all this, it can be easily ex- 
plained. 

When Bob reached home, pretty downcast to be 
sure, yet determined not to betray his anxiety to 


84 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the sharp eyes of his brothers any more than he 
could help, he discovered that there was great ex- 
citement around the house. 

Sam and Dave came bounding out to meet him, 
while he could see the grinning faces of Frank and 
Fred in the open doorway, as though they wished 
to see how Bob took the great news. 

“ How’s your muscle, Bob ; think you can pull 
an oar as well as you ever did ? ” demanded Sam, 
gleefully. 

Yes,” added Dave, who was evidently just 
brimming over with the desire to further mystify 
the rider of the wheel, “ and it’s to be hoped you 
like salt pork better than you used to, because 
chances are you’ll be fed on the same year in and 
year out after this.” 

‘‘ What in the wide world do you fellows mean ? ” 
demanded Bob; and then, as a thought flashed 
through his mind he added excitedly: “You don’t 
say father’s heard from Uncle David at last? Tell 
me quick, or I’ll do something desperate,” and he 
jumped from his wheel, for he had been riding 
slowly up to the house when the others met him. 

“ That’s just what it means! ” cried Sam, exult- 
antly. “You’re in the greatest of luck. Bob, old 
fellow. The letter came this morning, and nobody 
could find you, high or low.” 

“ And say, did he get the appointment for me? ” 
asked the excited boy, everything else utterly for- 


The Missing Watch 85 

gotten in that moment, when his whole future began 
to take on a rosy look, as he fancied that his dearest 
wish was about to be gratified. 

‘‘ It’s all settled,” replied Frank, as the others 
joined the two in the doorway. ‘‘ You must go to 
Washington to-morrow, and take some sort of ex- 
amination before some of the officers of the board. 
Uncle David says you’ll not have the least trouble in 
passing with flying colors. And father hasn’t gone 
down to business this whole morning, for wanting 
to talk with you about a lot of things.” 

“ Come in to lunch first. Bob,” Fred put in just 
then as he squeezed Bob’s hand warmly ; for the 
bell just rang; and then you’ve got to put in some 
great licks this afternoon getting your clothes in 
readiness. There’s a heap to do, mother says, be- 
tween now and the going of the nine-thirty train 
to-morrow morning.” 

Such an afternoon and evening as followed ! Was 
it any wonder that Bob could not think of anything 
else save those matters that had to do with his 
going out into the world, to take up service with 
Uncle Sam’s brave coast defenders? He was 
thrilled with the thought that soon he was to be 
reckoned one of those sleepless guards whose duty 
it is to patrol the most dangerous places of the shore 
line from the tip of Maine to the end of the Florida 
peninsula; rescuing shipwrecked mariners, prevent- 
ing the operations of those who would smuggle 


86 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

goods duty free into the country, and in various 
other ways proving themselves staunch and true 
servants of the Government at Washington. 

Some of Bob’s boy friends came around that 
night to see the last of him, for the news had trav- 
eled far and wide; and they spent quite a merry 
evening together; so again the boy was kept from 
thinking of anything not connected with his journey 
of the morrow. 

His mother meanwhile saw to it that his bag was 
packed, and doubtless more than one tear dropped in 
with the garments she was so carefully placing 
there ; for this was the first of her boys to leave the 
home nest. But like a wise woman she realized that 
before long all of those sturdy and progressive lads 
would be following Bob’s example. And besides, 
she and her husband had decided that it would 
prove the very best of training for wild Bob to be 
subject to strict regulations. 

Probably the boy slept very little that night. More 
than a few times he sat up in bed and looked 
around at the well-remembered scene, with his be- 
loved brothers nearby. How often would that pic- 
ture come back to him, when far away from this 
happy home ! 

In the morning they were all early astir. There 
was a grand send-off at the station, and one would 
think some young hero was being honored, instead 
of a boy who in times past had been looked on as 


The Missing Watch 87 

something of a mischief-maker in Clayton; but 
then that gallant act of Bob’s, when he rushed into 
the burning house and saved the little Bodkins baby, 
had in reality washed out all of his past misdeeds ; 
so that people felt only warmly toward the lad and 
wished him well. 

It was over at last, and the train bore him away 
from the dear old home town, heading toward the 
rising sun; for there on the coast his future lay 
beckoning him with rosy fingers; because Bob was 
a boy, and to the youthful mind what is to come al- 
ways appears in golden tints. 

And it was not until he had been riding for al- 
most an hour, seated comfortably there, and look- 
ing out with interest on the landscape, that Bob had 
a sudden cruel twinge. He had remembered about 
the missing watch, and it gave him a stab, because 
now his mother would wonder what had become of 
her valued timepiece. 

And so Bob had the bitter mixed with the sweet 
as he journeyed on toward the scene of his future 
activities ; for the loss of that keepsake would cause 
his mother great grief, he felt sure. All the boy 
could do was to sternly resolve to devote the very 
first money he earned to purchasing another watch ; 
though he knew the finest in the land would never 
be as precious as the one his father had given to his 
mother early in their married life. 


CHAPTER X 


ANOTHER CALL TO DUTY 

Aeter a while Bob felt better. Of course he 
Imust often think with deepest regret of the loss of 
his mother’s treasured keepsake; but since nothing 
could be done about it, Bob told himself crying 
would never mend a broken dish. 

He would write to Dave secretly, telling him all 
about it, and asking him to continue the search along 
the roadside. 

So as he sat there and pondered. Bob decided 
that he could only make amends by carrying out the 
plan he had in mind. His fond mother would ex- 
cuse him, as she had done so very many times in 
days gone by. And then there was always a fair 
chance that Dave, who always had such luck in find- 
ing things that were lost, would discover the missing 
watch. 

“ And this is the last time, I surely hope,” Bob 
said to himself, with a sigh, “when I shall give 
mother’s dear heart a pang. It really wasn’t my 
fault; and I don’t see how anybody with sense 
could blame me. Those fellows were bent on giving 
88 


Another Call to Duty 89 

me a licking, and even father always told us it was 
right and proper for a boy to defend himself when 
set upon. I guess I did that fairly well,” and, as be- 
fore, the recollection of how he had used that stick 
on the bodies of his assailants caused Bob to chuckle. 

As he had not up to now done much traveling. 
Bob was interested in all he saw by the way. Dave 
had warned him not to be friendly with strangers, 
and to keep pretty much to himself ; also not to re- 
veal the fact that he carried a sum of money in his 
pocket. 

Dave knew more about these things than any of 
the other boys, for he was interested in the work 
that Uncle David did for the Government in the 
Secret Service, and was forever studying up how 
smugglers were detected, illicit distilleries in the 
mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina and Ken- 
tucky were found and destroyed by the revenue men, 
and how counterfeiters were run to earth, because 
some day he meant to work for Uncle Sam himself 
in that department at Washington. 

Now, the chances were, had it been Dave who was 
traveling on that same train, instead of looking out 
of the window and allowing himself to indulge in 
day dreams, he would have spent much of his time 
studying his fellow passengers, and speculating as 
to who and what they were. 

That was the difference between the two brothers 
— Bob was frank and open, while Dave could be se- 


90 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

cretive, though just as truthful as any of the others. 
The uncle after whom he was named encouraged 
the boy to study human nature, because he could 
see what it would amount to in the end, and that 
some day there would be another David Spencer in 
the Secret Service of Uncle Sam. 

How dear each one of those four brothers 
seemed to Bob, now that he was fairly launched in 
the wide, wide world! All that morning he just 
sat there and allowed his thoughts to rove back to 
scenes connected with their association; and more 
than ever did he feel glad to remember how the 
Spencer boys had always stood up for one another 
in their various troubles, such as come to all im- 
pulsive lads. 

At noon he ate the lunch his mother had put up 
for him ; and having more than he needed he gladly 
shared with a poor woman who seemed to be travel- 
ing with three children, and had not been wise or 
prudent enough to provide sufficient food to satisfy 
their demands. 

Bob knew from consulting his time-table, which 
he did very frequently, that he was due to arrive in 
the city where he must change trains about four 
that afternoon; and that he would not get to Wash- 
ington until long after dark. But his uncle had 
promised to be waiting there for him, and he did not 
worry any about that. 

There was a dapper fellow aboard the car Bob 


Another Call to Duty 91 

traveled in who seemed inclined to make himself 
agreeable. Bob did not altogether like his appear- 
ance, or the way in which he made fun of other peo- 
ple’s peculiarities, when he dropped into the vacant 
seat beside him, as he did several times. 

He tried his best to draw Bob out, possibly wish- 
ing to discover whether he had any great amount of 
money with him; and by his persistent questions 
finally learned that the stoutly-built boy was on his 
way to the coast, to become a member of a life- 
saving crew at a station. This seemed to interest 
him, and he went on to ask still more questions con- 
cerning the duties of the surfmen, and all such 
things, and as Bob was so full of the subject he did 
not hesitate to give all the information that lay in 
his power. 

Finally, wishing to be rid of the fellow. Bob casu- 
ally mentioned the fact that he expected his uncle 
to meet him at the station in Washington ; and also 
remarked that the said gentleman was one of the 
most noted among the Secret Service officers. Two 
minutes afterwards the seat alongside Bob was va- 
cant again; noting which the boy chuckled softly to 
himself. 

'' I just thought that would put a clincher in his 
wanting to be so friendly,” he told himself. ‘‘ I 
reckon now he made up his mind that it would be 
dangerous business bothering with a boy who had 
an uncle in Uncle Sam’s Secret Service. Or per- 


92 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

haps he just concluded that I wasn’t worth the pick- 
ing, as I couldn’t have so very much in my pocket 
after all. But he’ll leave me alone from now on, 
I’m thinking.” And Bob was right about that, for 
the dandified looking young fellow wandered into 
another car. 

The afternoon passed slowly. 

Of course Bob again and again tried to picture 
what was awaiting him when once he reached the 
station to which he would be appointed, after he had 
gone through with his examination before the offi- 
cers of the board at Washington. 

He did not have any doubts concerning his ability 
to pass muster, because Uncle David had given a 
number of hints as to what would be expected ; and 
the young fellow knew they were some of his strong- 
est points. 

Besides, while not dreaming that his uncle could 
have any influence calculated to make things go more 
easily with him, it was possible that the candidate 
chancing to be a nephew of so well-known an offi- 
cer in the Secret Service would unconsciously carry 
weight. 

Bob, however, was only too willing to stand on 
his own record as a life-saver, and take his chances. 
Of course the folks at home had told all about that 
episode of the burning house, in the last letter sent 
on to Uncle David ; and it would not be at all amiss 
for him to see that the officials of the board knew 


Another Call to Duty 93 

about it before they met Bob; for it must always be 
an object with them to enlist the services qf such 
energetic and daring young fellows in a work call- 
ing for just those qualities. 

As the time drew near for the train to pull into 
the city where Bob knew he had to make a change, 
he got his possessions together, so as to be ready to 
leave the car. 

There was half an hour to spare before the other 
train, bound for Washington, would arrive, even if 
it was on time; but Bob had been warned by Dave 
not to wander around, or leave his bags for even a 
minute; because there were all kinds of pilferers on 
the lookout for just such opportunities; and they 
might think it worth while to carry off some of his 
property, which he would regret losing. 

He saw the dapper looking young chap meant to 
stick to the train, for as Bob stood on the platform, 
after having alighted, he glimpsed a hand waving 
to him, and recognized his acquaintance of the early 
afternoon. 

“A good riddance to bad rubbish,’’ was Bob’s 
mental comment; for he had somehow taken a dis- 
like to the other, and wished to see no more of him. 

Setting his baggage in a corner, where he could 
make inquiries about the train he was to take for 
have his eyes on it. Bob went to the ticket office to 
Washington. 

An elderly lady was just ahead of him, and she 


94 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

had so many questions to ask, about a train she was 
to take, that our hero thought his own would arrive 
before he had a chance to inquire about it. 

“Are you sure I don’t have to change?” the 
nervous old lady wanted to know. 

“ Yes, ma’am. I’ve told you that before,” an- 
swered the patient agent. 

“ Oh, so you did. I forgot. And will my trunk 
go on the same train as I do? ” 

“ Yes, if you have checked it.” 

“ Oh, I’ve done that all right. The reason I’m so 
anxious about my trunk is that I’ve got a fruit cake 
in it that I made myself. It’s for my daughter 
Nancy. I’m going to see her. I haven’t been to her 
house in two years, and she always did like my fruit 
cake. I wouldn’t have my trunk lost, with that cake 
in it, not for anything.” 

“ Oh, your trunk will be all right,” the agent said, 
with a smile, trying to get Bob’s eye to signal to him 
to break in with his question, and allow the old lady 
to pass on. 

“ Well, I’m glad to hear you say so,” the nervous 
passenger went on. “I could give your wife a 
recipe for that cake, if she’d like to have it.” 

“ I’m afraid I’ll have to get a wife first,” the 
agent said, blushing a bit. 

“ What ! You don’t mean to tell me a nice young 
chap like you isn’t married yet! ” exclaimed the old 
lady. “ Well ! if you ever do get married let me 


Another Call to Duty 95 

know, and Til send you that recipe. Now you’re 
sure I won’t have to change cars ? ” 

'' Quite sure, ma’am.” 

'‘Oh, yes, I asked you that before; didn’t I? 
Well, I don’t travel much, and I s’pose I’m flus- 
tered.” 

Finally she moved far enough away from the 
window so that Bob could get up to it. 

" How about that Washington train? ” he asked. 

“ Half an hour late at the junction,” answered 
the agent, “ and she’s likely to lose more time. It’s 
a heavy grade from there on. You can go to a mov- 
ing picture show, if you want to, and not miss her.” 

" Thanks,” laughed Bob. " But I guess I’ll stay 
out in the air.” 

He went outside, and, for a time, strolled up and 
down the station platform, watching the railroad 
men make up a freight train. There were several 
other passengers waiting about, some content to sit 
still on the benches, while others paced nervously 
up and down, as though this would make the time 
pass more quickly. 

Among the latter was an elderly man, whose dress 
and general appearance, as well as the the rolling 
manner in which he walked, made Bob feel sure that 
he was a sailor. Somehow this seemed to make the 
boy more interested in the man, and when, in their 
strolls up and down the platform, they passed close 
to one another. Bob ventured to nod slightly. 


96 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

The sailor, for such Bob was sure he mu'st be, 
nodded back, and then, as though encouraged by our 
hero’s friendly advance, remarked: 

“ Our ships don’t seem to be making port any too 
fast.” 

‘‘ No, mine’s late,” said Bob. “ Is yours, too ? ” 

“ Yes, I’m going to Plattsburg,” which town. 
Bob knew, was in the opposite direction from 
Washington. ‘‘ The agent says I’ll have to wait 
nearly an hour, and then I’ve got to ride two hours 
more. I — I wish it was over,” and the old man 
caught his breath in a sort of gasp. 

‘‘ Traveling doesn’t agree with you, Fm afraid,” 
said Bob, sympathetically. 

“ Not — not this kind,” answered the sailor. ‘‘ I 
don’t mind a ship, where I can smell the tang of the 
sea, but all this soft coal smoke, and soot and cin- 
ders and sulphur — it sort of — goes against my stom- 
ach.” 

The old man really seemed in pain, and then a 
suspicion that had been growing in Bob’s mind be- 
came almost a certainty. The stranger looked and 
acted as though he was hungry, and as Bob noticed 
him resume his tramp along the platform, the boy 
was sure that the peculiar gait was caused as much 
by weakness, as from the habit formed of meeting 
the roll and shift of a heaving deck on a stormy sea. 

I wonder if he’d be offended if I gave him 
money enough to buy some lunch ? ” mused Bob. 


Another Call to Duty 97 

“ I’m afraid he would. I might be making a mis- 
take. Guess Fd better not. Fll wait a bit.” 

He, too, again began walking up and down, pass- 
ing the sailor at times. 

‘‘ Well, it isn’t much longer,” said Bob, with a 
smile, after one or two turns up and down the long 
platform. 

‘‘ Not for you, but my train doesn’t come in for 
some time after yours,” said the old man. And 
again a spasm of what seemed to be pain passed 
over his face. 

Bob’s fingers went to his pocket. He had a dol- 
lar, put aside from his main sum, which he had in- 
tended spending for himself, but he was not hungry. 

“ I’ve a good notion to give it to him — I’m sure 
he must have met with some misfortune — maybe 
had his pocket picked,” mused Bob. ‘‘ He doesn’t 
look like a poor man, and yet I’m sure he’s hungry. 
Maybe he’s too proud to ask for a little sum to tide 
him over until he gets to his friends. Yes, I think 
I’ll make the offer, anyhow ! ” 

He started forward with this intention. Just 
then the whistle of an approaching train was heard, 
and the station agent called out its destination. It 
was not the train Bob was to take, nor would it carry 
the old sailor to the place where he was going. 

A number of persons, however, got up and col- 
lected their baggage in readiness, and Bob looked on 


98 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

interestedly, making sure by a glance that his own 
bags were safe. 

Look out ! ” came in a sudden call. Bob turned 
in time to see a stout man, well laden with luggage, 
run full-tilt into the old sailor. 

The latter tried to retain his balance, but the im- 
pact had been too heavy. 

* “ Catch him I He's going to fall ! ” Bob heard 
some one cry. 

An instant later, and just as the train was sweep- 
ing along the edge of the depot platform, the old 
sailor toppled over directly on the track of the in- 
coming express, where he lay, an inert mass, while 
the whistle shrilled out its warning. 

There were confused cries, women shrieked, and 
some men turned away. A number of the freight 
train crew started on a run toward the prostrate 
figure, but every one knew they could never reach 
him in time. 

In a flash it came to Bob Spencer that he, alone, 
could save the old man’s life, as he was nearest to 
him. 

‘‘ Look out ! ” he cried, in shrill tones, for the 
burly traveler, the direct cause of the accident, was 
in his path. Look out ! ” and with that Bob made 
a rush for the edge of the platform. 


CHAPTER XI 


THE SHIPWRECKED SAILOR 

The depot platform, at this station, was raised 
slightly above the tracks, of which there were two. 
There was a platform on either side, with no fence- 
barrier in between. 

In a flash Bob took in the situation. He saw that 
the old man had fallen partly under the edge of the 
nearest platform, so that it would be almost impos- 
sible to raise him directly from the track, and out 
of the way of the on-coming train. 

“ IVe got to pull him over to the other track — 
that’s the only way,” decided Bob, in a flash. 
‘‘ There’s no train coming on those rails ! ” which 
fact he ascertained by a quick glance. 

He gave a leap from the platform to the track, 
and, as he jumped in the path of the rumbling 
locomotive, there were more screams from the 
hysterical women, and hoarse cries from the men. 
Several of the latter started toward the boy and the 
motionless old man, but they were too late. 

Amid the wild shrieking of the whistle, and while 
the locomotive fireman was rushing out from his 
99 


lOO Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

cab, along the runboard, with a desperate idea of 
getting to the pilot in time to push the sailor out 
of the way, Bob had grasped the old man with all 
his strength. 

Strong as the boy was, he found need for all his 
muscle, for the old man was an inert mass. But, 
with a fierce tug, bracing his feet in the cinder road- 
bed, Bob managed to get the sailor off the track, and 
over to the other rails, just as the ponderous loco- 
motive, with its rumbling cars, swept past. 

Good work! ” Bob heard the fireman pant, as he 
clung to the flag-staff on the pilot, to where he had 
made his way. Good work ! ” 

And then, as the boy tried to raise the old man up, 
several of the freight men came to help him. The 
passenger train, which had so nearly caused death, 
came to a stop with a grinding of brakes, and soon 
a crowd surrounded our hero and the man he had 
saved. 

That was fine work I ’’ 

“ Plucky lad, all right ! ” 

** Just in the nick of time, too ! ” 

“Who is he?^’ 

“ Who’s the old man? Is he hurt? ” 

These, and a score of other questions, flew back 
and forth as Bob and the freight crew supported the 
old sailor. 

“ Get him some water,” suggested a woman in the 
crowd. 



Bob managed to get the sailor off the track and over to the 
other rails, just as the ponderous locomotive, with its 
rumbling* cars, swept past. 




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The Shipwrecked Sailor loi 

“ That’s right — he needs something,” said Bob, 
for he could feel that the old man’s heart was beat- 
ing but feebly. 

Some one brought a glass, and the old man, who 
appeared to have recovered from his momentary 
faint, opened his eyes. Bob managed to get him to 
swallow some of the refreshing liquid. 

‘‘ How do you feel now ? ” asked Bob, as he con- 
tinued to support the man with his arm under his 
shoulder. 

‘‘ Pretty — pretty weak,” was the faint answer. 

But you’re not hurt? ” 

“ No; only sort of jarred-up. I’ll get over that. 
What happened — did the engine hit me?” 

** No, some one ran into you, and knocked you off 
the edge of the platform,” answered Bob, while the 
passenger train crew, seeing that nothing had really 
happened, hurried back to their posts. The pas- 
sengers who were to take this train also scrambled 
for their places, so that Bob and the old man were 
alone barring some of the freight crew. 

‘‘ Knocked off the platform; eh? ” said the sailor 
musingly, and his voice was stronger now. Well, 
I’ve been through lots of dangers at sea, and I sure 
would hate to come to my end through a land 
accident. But, I’m much obliged to you, son. You 
sure did save my life.” 

That’s what he did ! ” exclaimed one of the 
freight brakeman. I never see a pluckier act. He 


102 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

just jumped right down in front of that camelback 
engine, and yanked you off like a yard locomotive 
kicking a string of empties for a flying switch. It 
sure was all right.’' 

Oh, it wasn’t anything,” protested Bob, blushing. 

I just happened to think of it; that’s all.” 

“ Well, it was a mighty good ' think ’ for me,” 
said the old sailor. “ But I guess I’d like to get 
somewhere, and sit down. I — I feel a bit weak,” he 
added, with a gasp. 

‘'Are you sure you’re not hurt?” asked Bob, 
anxiously, as he assisted him across the tracks to the 
depot, the train having now pulled out. 

“ No, I’m not hurt, son. I — I just want a rest 
and — and — ” but he did not finish, for he was gasp- 
ing weakly. 

Bob took a sudden resolve. He led the old man 
to a seat and the crowd melted away. 

“ Look here, sir,” exclaimed Bob, quickly, “ aren’t 
you weak from hunger? You look it, and act it, and 
I’m thinking that was what made you topple over, 
as much as it was that big man colliding with you. 
Aren’t you hungry, sir? Wouldn’t you like some 
hot coffee and a sandwich? Now I’ve got plenty of 
money with me — that is, plenty to what I usually 
have, and if you’d like a small loan ” 

The sailor made a gesture of dissent. 

“ Now don’t be fussy,” urged Bob. “ I may be in 
the same boat myself, some day. Let me get you 


The Shipwrecked Sailor 103, 

something to eat; 'won’t you? Fd just like to help 
you.” 

For a moment the old man did not answer. He 
seemed struggling with some emotion. Finally he 
asked : 

What’s your name, boy? ” 

Bob gave him a card, that also had his uncle’s 
name and address on it. 

“ I’m on my way to join the life-saving service,” 
the boy explained. My uncle got me the place. 
I’m going to be a coast-guard! ” 

Good ! ” exclaimed the sailor. There’s no finer 
work, and I know what I’m talking about. You’ve 
started in well already. You saved my life, and I’ll 
not forget it. Look here, son, I may as well own up 
to the truth, though it does shame me, even if it 
shouldn’t. I am hungry. I haven’t had any break- 
fast, and I haven’t a cent to get any dinner. That 
was what made me weak, and what toppled me 
over.” 

thought so!” cried Bob, quickly. And if 
you’ll let me help you. I’ll take it as a favor.” 

“ Well, son, I will, and I never can thank you 
enough. First you save me from death under the 
wheels, and then you save me from starving. But 
I don’t want you to think I’m an ordinary beggar. 
It’s just been hard luck — hard luck ever since I was 
shipwrecked.” 

The sailor sighed deeply. 


104 Spencer the Life Saver 

Shipwrecked 1 ” returned Bob, with interest. I 
would like to hear about that. Was it lately ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, I landed at Baltimore two days ago. I was 
picked up at sea, about three hundred miles from 
land. Osgood is my name — Captain John Osgood, 
of the Mary Ellen, I — Fll tell you all about it, if 
you care to hear.” 

“ Of course I do ! ” cried Bob. “ But not until 
youVe eaten. Here, sir, you come with me. I could 
stand a cup of coffee myself, I think. My nerves are 
a little upset,” and making sure that his baggage was 
still safe. Bob led Captain Osgood toward the depot 
lunch room. 

Now we’ll eat ! ” exclaimed the boy, “ and then 
I’ll hear your story. I’m very much interested in 
it.” 

But I don’t want to keep you — ^you might miss 
your train,” protested the sailor. 

" Then I can get another,” laughed Bob, but I 
might not, ever again, hear such a story as yours. 
Come along, sirl ” 


CHAPTER XII 


A STORY OF THE SEA 

Here, waiter ! ” called Bob, to the man behind 
the counter. Something good and hot — and in a 
hurry, if you please. Got any warm soup? ” 

‘‘Yes, ox-tail!” 

“ That sounds good ! ” exclaimed Captain Osgood. 
Already some color was coming back into his pale 
cheeks, that had turned white, under the tan, because 
of his fright and weakness. 

“ A little soup first,” ordered Bob, “ and then 
something substantial. And don’t you talk any more 
until you’ve eaten something,” he ordered the sailor, 
with a kindly smile. 

“ Aye, aye, sir ! ” exclaimed Captain Osgood. 
“ I’m more used to giving orders than taking them,” 
he said ; “ but this time I’ll be mate and you can be 
captain, Bob Spencer.” 

Bob said afterward that he never enjoyed a meal 
so much. It was not that he was so hungry, but that 
he enjoyed seeing the half-famished sailor eat. And 
then, when the first edge of Captain Osgood’s appe- 
105 


io6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

tite was dulled, Bob consented to listen to the sea- 
story. 

“ It was not far from Porto Rico that the hur- 
ricane struck us,” began the old sailor. The 
Mary Ellen, which I hoped would be my last sea 
venture, was a good ship, but we couldn’t stand up 
against that wind and those big seas. She just went 
to pieces. 

‘‘ We stood by as long as we could, and worked 
the pumps to the last, but it was no use. I managed 
to make myself fast to a piece of the mainmast and 
some other wreckage, as she went down, and then I 
floated off. I won’t tell you all I suffered before I 
was picked up — maybe you can guess, for you must 
have been reading up on what happens to them as 
go down to the sea in ships.” 

** I have,” answered Bob, with feeling. 

^ Well, that was what happened to us. After Cap- 
tain Morgan — he was in command of the Mary 
Ellen, and I was mate — after we had done all we 
could, we finally had to give up. I don’t know 
what became of the rest of them, but I was washed 
overboard, clinging, as I said, to some wreckage. 
And all I had in the world I left on the ship.” 

‘‘ Then you had an interest in her ? ” asked Bob. 

“ No, not exactly, though I did invest in some 
of the cargo. But all the savings of a life-time — 
five thousand dollars — went down with the Mary 
Ellen," 


A Story of the Sea 107 

Five thousand dollars! ” cried Bob, in astonish- 
ment. Then you must have been rich ! ” 

No, lad, far from it. But when I found I was 
getting too old to be as active as I once was, and 
when I shipped, as I did, as mate on the Ma/ry Ellen, 
instead of looking for a berth as captain, as I could 
have done if I had chosen, I took with me all the 
money I had in the world. Five thousand dollars 
it was, in cash, and I hoped to make it more by some 
trades in Porto Rico. 

“ But it wasn’t to be. We ran into that storm, as 
I said, and we went to pieces. There was no time 
to go down in my stateroom, and get the money.” 

“ I should have thought you could do that — and 
put it in a money belt. Captain,” spoke Bob, won- 
deringly. 

Well, I might have had, if it hadn’t been for the 
fact that I was so careful as to hide my cash in a 
secret place in my stateroom,” returned the old 
sailor, as he ate with less appetite, now that his first 
hunger was appeased. 

“ You see I was afraid of thieves, and when I 
found there was a secret place in the bulkhead of 
my stateroom, I stowed my money away there. It 
took some little time to open it up, and, though I 
did go below when I found we were going down, 
I had no time to get out the cash. It went to the 
bottom of the sea with the ship.” 

“ That’s too bad,” said Bob, sympathetically. 


io8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

‘‘ Yes, for I counted on that as my last voyage,” 
resumed Captain Osgood. “ I figured on making 
enough so I could retire and live with my widowed 
daughter Mary, and little Lucy, my grandchild. 
We were going to be very happy together. 

But I lost everything. As I told you, I was 
finally picked up at sea, on the wreckage, with only 
the clothes I wore. But the crew and passengers 
of the rescuing steamer were kind to me. They 
made up a little purse for me, and fitted me out and 
started me on my way to Plattsburg. 

But I had more bad luck. I bought my ticket, 
and stowed away what money I had left for rations 
on the way. Then my pocket was picked last night, 
and, since then, Fve been without a cent. So I 
couldn’t eat, having no money. I didn’t want to 
beg — I never had — and I thought Fd make out until 
I got to my daughter’s house. But really I was ter- 
rible hungry.’^ 

“ That was what made you weak,” said Bob. 

‘‘ I believe it was, son. But it’s all right now. I 
feel fine!” 

“Then Fm going to make you feel a little bet- 
ter ! ” exclaimed Bob, with a smile. “ I know what 
it is to travel without money in your pocket, and I 
have more than I really need. Now Fm going to 
ask you to let me make you a loan.” 

“ Oh, I couldn’t think of it, my boy. I have my 


ticket, you know, and I’ll soon be at my daughter’s 
house.” 

But there is no telling what might happen be- 
for you get there,” went on Bob. ‘‘Now I have 
twenty dollars. I won’t need all that, for I’ll soon 
be with my uncle in Washington. I want you to 
take ten dollars of that.” 

“ No, Bob, I couldn’t think of it.” 

“ But you must,” insisted the boy, and he pressed 
a ten-dollar bill into the old sailor’s hand. “ You 
can pay me back when you like,” our hero went on, 
generously. 

For a moment the old man did not answer. 
Tears came into his eyes, and finally he said : 

“ Boy, you make me feel that, after all, this world 
is filled with good people. I was beginning to doubt 
it, after I lost all my savings, though that was no 
one’s fault. Surely this world is a good place after 
all. I — I can’t thank you enough.” 

“ Then don’t try,” urged Bob. “ But I must be 
going. I think it is nearly time for my train. I 
hope, some day, to see you again. I wish I had 
been a coast-guard, near where the Mary Ellen 
was wrecked. Maybe I could have helped save 
her — and your money.” 

“ Well, that’s very good of you to say, my boy, 
but I’m afraid there was no chance. That was an 
awful storm. My money is at the bottom of the 
sea, now.” 


no 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

But/’ spoke Bob, more for the sake of saying 
something comforting, than because he really be- 
lieved it, perhaps some part of her may have 
floated, and there might be a chance that you would 
get your savings back.” 

The good Lord grant it, boy, but it’s too much 
to hope. But, since you are so good, I will accept 
this ten dollars. But only as a loan. I’ll pay it 
back as soon as I can, and I guess you’ll find that 
the Osgoods always keep their word. 

“ YouVe been more than good to me. I’ll never 
forget you. Here’s my address — write to me once 
in a while.” 

Bob promised, and then, as he heard his train 
being called, he shook hands with the old sailor, 
whose life he had saved, and whom he had so be- 
friended, and hastened to his car. 

Don’t forget to write ! ” called Captain Os- 
good, as he walked out of the restaurant. How 
much more firm was his step than when he had 
been half-famished! 

‘‘ I won’t ! ” answered Bob, and then he sprang 
up the car steps, waving a farewell to the old man 
with whose fortunes he was destined to be more 
closely linked in the future than he even dreamed 
of. 

Then, being whirled on his way to Washington, 
to meet his uncle, Bob gave himself up to many 


thoughts — but though chief among them were those 
having to do with his new life, as a coast-guard, 
he could not help thinking of Captain Osgood, and 
his little fortune, so strangely swallowed up by 
the angry sea. 


CHAPTER XIII 


APPOINTED TO DUTY 

" It’s all settled, Bob ! ” exclaimed Uncle Dave, 
two days later, as he bustled into a room where his 
nephew was comfortably installed in a chair, looking 
over the maritime department of a great New York 
daily that always gives considerable space to news 
of sea-going vessels, and the various happenings 
along the coast, of interest to all those who look to 
the ocean for their livelihood. 

‘‘ Then I get the appointment, do I?” asked the 
pleased boy, immediately jumping to the conclusion 
that these joyous words could mean nothing less. 

“ Oh I that was a foregone conclusion, after they 
learned what sort of a chap you have always been ! ” 
declared the Secret Service officer, with a laugh, 
and a proud pat on the other’s broad back ; “ but 
as luck would have it, a letter was received while I 
was there that just about put a clincher on things. 
And who do you think it was from. Bob; guess 
hard, now ? ” 

“Not father, was it?” asked Bob, at the same 

II2 


Appointed to Duty 113 

time wondering why that light was dancing in his 
uncle’s eyes so much. 

“ No, not this time, though I imagine he took 
his hand at letter writing a while back, to tell of a 
certain little thing that happened in your town, 
when a house was burned, and a baby came near 
being left to its fate. But I see you would never hit 
the right nail on the head, and so I’d better tell you. 
This communication, which contained as remark- 
able a story as any I’ve heard in a long while, was 
signed by a man whose name is Osgood I ” 

‘‘ Oh ! Captain Osgood ? ” exclaimed Bob, as- 
tounded, and looking a bit uneasy. “ Why, I never 
dreamed that he’d go and tell, or I’d have made him 
promise to keep still. But that’s just the way it 
goes, a fellow can never have a secret kept./’ 

“ Secret! ” roared Uncle Dave, beaming down on 
his nephew ; “ what makes you want to hide your 
light under a bushel that way, my boy? Why, if 
I’d done anything as fine as that little job I’d be so 
proud of it I’d ask for a medal right away. Secret? 
Well, I never was more pleased to know that my 
name was Spencer than when that old sailor’s let- 
ter was read out loud. And after that there wasn’t 
the slightest question but what you could have a 
vacancy that happened to exist in the crew of any 
station along the entire coast. Why, they were 
enthusiastic about it, and said they would be only 
too glad to offer a like job to all my other nephews. 


1 14 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

providing they were chips off the same old block.” 

He was squeezing Bob’s hand all this while — 
and Uncle Dave had a grip that was calculated to 
bring tears to most people’s eyes, when once he 
forgot himself, and allowed his feelings to have 
full sway. 

“ I’m afraid Captain Osgood said too much,” 
the boy went on, “ because it was only such a little 
thing I was able to do for him ; and besides, I didn’t 
mean that anybody should know about it. Mother 
might worry, because she always thinks I’m too 
reckless, you see.” 

‘‘ Oh I I rather think the old sailor only told the 
exact truth in his blunt, sea-faring way,” Uncle 
Dave continued, warmly. “ And so you’ve been 
up to your old tricks again, this time jumping down 
right in front of an oncoming train, and carrying 
a man off the track in time, just by the fraction of 
a second? Yes, and not satisfied with that you 
must divide your money with him when you heard 
how he had met with trouble and shipwreck ! Ah ! 
that warm heart of yours will always keep you 
poor. I’m afraid. Bob; but all the same you’re an 
honor to the family; as I always said you’d be, 
when they used to tell me about some of your 
pranks.” 

‘‘ And so Captain Osgood took the trouble to 
write to the department at Washington, did he?” 
mused the boy,, smiling a little as though half 


Appointed to Duty 115 

pleased ; “ well, one thing Fm sure of now, and 
that is he was no fraud. The sinking of the Mary 
Ellen was just as he told me; and he did lose his 
savings of years by her going down ! ” 

‘‘ That’s what he says in his letter, and it was 
easy to see that the old tar had difficulty in finding 
words to express what he thought of you, lad. But 
you must let me tell this story in my own way the 
next time I write to your father ; that is, unless you 
prefer to be the one to relate the facts, though ten 
to one you’d never do justice to it, in your modesty.” 

“ Tell them, if you think best. Uncle Dave,” 
Bob went on to say, with a shrug of his shoulders. 

Perhaps some of the boys will think it was reck- 
less of me; but what else could I do? There wasn’t 
a second to waste, and if Fd hesitated perhaps 
both of us might have been caught under the wheels 
of that engine. But please let that subject drop, 
and talk more about what is going to happen to 
me.” 

Well, I can understand your eagerness there, 
at least,” remarked Uncle Dave, and fortunately 
it is in my power to relieve your curiosity to some 
extent. It has been found that there is need of one 
more good strong surfman on the crew of the life- 
saving station at Wyamoke, down the coast, and you 
have been ordered there.” 

Bob sprang to his feet, all excitement. 

‘‘ Oh ! ” he exclaimed, while his eyes danced with 


ii6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

delight, “ why, don’t you know. Uncle, that sta- 
tion is reckoned the most dangerous of all, barring 
only the one at Cape Hatteras ? ” 

‘‘ So they informed me,” the other nodded, eye- 
ing the boy’s kindling eyes with a warm admira- 
tion, as well as the affection an uncle might show 
toward a favorite nephew. ‘‘ And it seems to please 
you to know that you are likely to soon be up to 
your neck in trouble, saving sailors from the grip 
of the seas that break along that wild strip of 
coast.” 

Bob looked at him in more or less astonishment. 

Well, why shouldn’t I, when that is what I’ve 
come for?” he demanded. ‘‘Of course I don’t 
wants wrecks to happen, but they will, all the same ; 
and someone has to be on hand ready to help the 
poor fellows. But now that it’s all settled I feel 
relieved. I’ve been afraid that they might refuse 
me on account of my age, or something else.” 

“ Those things might have counted against an 
applicant who lacked some of the splendid quali- 
fications you happen to possess. Bob,” said Uncle 
Dave, seriously. “ I don’t know that my person- 
ality counted for much, because these gentlemen 
are above being influenced by any such feelings. 
But they really believe that it must be for the up- 
lift of the service when they can get recruits of 
your stamp, enthusiastic, sturdily built, quick as a 
cat to see and do, and just natural life-savers in the 


Appointed to Duty 117 

bargain. And I quite agree with them, I must 
say.” 

‘‘ And so Captain Osgood thought it his duty to 
try and influence them to take me into the service, 
did he ? ” Bob observed, wishing to change the con- 
versation. 

“ It was a frank, bluff letter, just as a warm- 
hearted old sea dog would be likely to write,” con- 
tinued the other; “ and Fm promised it after a bit. 
I told them Fd like to send it home to your mother. 
Bob; and they all agreed that a mother could not 
have a nicer present than to receive such a flattering 
missive concerning one of her boys. Indeed, one 
of them asked me if he could call around at my 
rooms this evening, and meet you. He has sev- 
eral lads of his own, and is interested in what goes 
to make up this Spencer stock. I was only too 
proud to say we would be glad to welcome him to- 
night, Bob, because you leave Washington to-mor- 
row.” 

So soon as that? ” ejaculated the boy, his face 
flushing with eagerness. ‘‘ Well, Fll be sorry to say 
good-bye to you. Uncle; but duty first, you know, 
when you’re in the employ of Uncle Sam ! ” 

‘‘That’s the right sentiment every time. Bob!” 
declared the other. “ And I’m under no apprehen- 
sion whatever regarding your making good in the 
profession you’ve chosen to follow. All I hope 
and pray is that you may be spared to your mother 


ii8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

many years; for it is a business that often brings 
its followers in close touch with death. But we all 
have to take chances in our work. I myself have 
often been in desperate situations, from which it 
seemed that nothing could extricate me; yet so far 
I’ve managed to hold my own. The Spencers never 
give up the ship, do they. Bob, so long as one plank 
holds to another ? ” 

“ That’s what I’m told. Uncle Dave,” replied the 
boy, smiling with pleasure to think that his uncle, 
so well known as one of the most daring of the 
Secret Service officers, should stoop to lift a boy 
like him up beside him, and place them both in the 
same class. 

Somehow that confidence in him felt by his uncle 
did more to give Bob the assurance he needed in 
carrying out his plans than any other influence. 
Yes, he must never forget that he was a Spencer; 
and that some of the best blood in the country. 
North and South, flowed through his veins. 

And I shouldn’t be much surprised, Bob,” con- 
tinued his uncle, ‘‘ if sooner or later you rubbed up 
against some of the sly rascals with whom we 
men of the Secret Service have to deal. I under- 
stand that there has been considerable smuggling 
going on down around that section of country; 
and in a pinch, you know that the coast-guards 
are expected to lend a hand to arrest those who are 
trying to land cargoes on the coast that have never 


Appointed to Duty 119 

paid a cent of duty into Uncle Sam’s treasury.” 

‘‘ Is that so ? ” asked Bob eagerly. 

‘‘ That’s right,” went on his uncle. “ But don’t 
imagine that, right off the reel, you’re going to go 
out and capture some of them single-handed. I 
just mentioned it by way of illustration. Though 
there is one chap,” and he took up a bundle of 
papers, ‘‘ one chap that I’d give a good deal to see 
behind the bars.” 

“ Who’s that? ” 

‘‘Well, they call him Jose Lopez. I guess I’ve 
mentioned him before to you.” 

Bob nodded, recalling the name. 

“ He’s particularly active now, bringing in a lot 
of tobacco and cigars of high value, and the Secret 
Service men can’t seem to get him.” 

“ Isn’t he the fellow with the glass eye — ^the one 
who lost his good one in some fight?” 

“ That’s the one. Bob. And he’s got a habit of 
cracking his finger knuckles as if he were firing 
broadsides. Whenever he’s excited he cracks his 
joints without stopping. In fact, he’s got his hands 
quite deformed from it. But I suppose that makes 
his fists all the better in case of a fight. He’s got 
a friend who is as bad — if not worse. He’s called 
Black Carlos.” 

“ Wouldn’t I like to have a hand in getting 
him ! ” exclaimed Bob with boyish enthusiasm. 

“ Between you and me I hope you never run 


fi20 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

across that worthy, lad, because he’s probably the 
worst of his kind; and if you’re going to round up 
any smuggler at all I’d rather you began on one 
of the smaller fry. Just leave Black Carlos, Jose 
Lopez and that crowd for others to handle. But 
then, what’s the use of crossing a river till you come 
to it? Chances are you’ll never be called on to 
fight anything worse than the stormy sea ; and that’s 
quite enough. I’ll be bound.” 

Oh ! it will not bother me, I warrant you. Uncle 
Dave; because I love the water, no matter whether 
it’s smooth or as angry as can be. I can imagine 
how a duck must feel, because that’s the way water 
calls out to me. But if I am to leave Washington 
to-morrow, perhaps I’d better be starting out to do 
a few little errands, for I left some of my shopping 
until I was dead sure of getting the' appointment, 
you know.” 

‘‘As if there was ever any doubt about that! 
But get along with you, then, Bob ; and come back 
early, for we’re going to have this gentleman from 
headquarters dine with us at our favorite restau- 
rant to-night. It’s hard for me to believe that this 
time to-morrow you’ll be settled down in your new 
quarters, a coast-guard for fact, and looking out on 
the wide ocean for the first time in all your life. I 
have a letter for you to carry to your captain, 
which perhaps you’d better take now before I for- 
get it. And I reckon he’ll be glad to hold out a 


Appointed to Duty 121 

welcoming hand after he reads what’s set down 
there.” 

‘‘If it’s hard for you to believe it, think of me,” 
said the boy, half wistfully, with his thoughts turn- 
ing homeward ; though he immediately brought him- 
self up with a round turn, and shut his teeth hard, 
determined not to allow himself to display the first 
sign of weakening; “it seems that I ought to be 
turning back home after this pleasant little visit 
with you. Uncle Dave; but it’ll be a good many 
months, I suppose, before they see me again. Well, 
I’ll be off now. Look for me by five at the latest. 
And then just one more day before the dream of 
my life will be fulfilled.” 

He went from the apartment humming a merry 
tune, and his uncle, looking proudly after him, 
nodded his head approvingly, as he told himself 
that Bob would do; for did he not know how des- 
perately the boy had to bite his lip to keep his feel- 
ings under control? 


CHAPTER XIV 


PATROLLING THE DANGER COAST 

Bob Spencer sat upon a sand dune, and looked 
far out upon the heaving ocean, filled with emotions 
that must always very nearly overwhelm any one 
who sees the ambition of years in a fair way of 
being fulfilled. 

Two days before he had reached the little village 
of Wyamoke on the mainland, and had been taken 
across the wide bay in a boat to join the life-savers 
on the beach at the most dangerous point on the 
whole Atlantic seaboard, after the Stormy Cape ” 
known far and wide as Hatteras, the graveyard of 
hundreds of vessels. 

It was one of his future mates who rowed him 
across, and of course Bob had made friends with 
him at once. Indeed, it was always the easiest pos- 
sible thing to become acquainted with Bob Spencer, 
for he was as open as a book, and would meet an 
extended hand more than half-way. 

In this fashion, then, did he come to know bluff 
Asa Barnes, who was a sturdy son of the sandy 
122 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 123 

beach, having spent his whole life where he could 
hear the ocean in its various moods. 

Once across the sound and he came upon the 
station, which was perched upon a little elevation, 
where it might be seen fairly well out at sea; be- 
cause sometimes in clear weather vessels came in, 
taking chances of the reefs or the sand shoals, to 
send a message, or make some inquiry. 

The keeper was provided with the International 
Code of Signals, and stood ready to report any 
vessel, give latitude and longitude, and even ex- 
tend information as to the weather forecast, so that 
if a heavy storm were expected the ship might make 
for the nearest harbor in time. 

Here Bob first met Captain Lon Shanley, with 
whom his fortunes were fated to be connected for 
a long time. He would never forget that warm 
welcome; and he knew even before he had ex- 
changed a dozen sentences with his chief that he 
would enjoy being in his crew. 

Captain Shanley had been a life-saver for many 
years. He could tell of a great many thrilling 
rescues which he and his brave crew had performed, 
and which were on record in the annual books pub- 
lished by the Treasury Department, since the life- 
saving service comes under the jurisdiction of this 
part of the Government. 

Yes, and there were men who had lost their lives 
while working alongside the dauntless captain of 


124 Spencer the Life Saver 

Wyamoke Station. He himself had never shirked 
duty, no matter how wild the tempest, if only the 
lighter surfboat could be launched in place of the 
heavy lifeboat. 

Many times had he been overturned, and tossed 
about by the breakers; but though others had gone 
down. Captain Shanley seemed to bear a charmed 
life, for he always got ashore some way or other, 
after being given up for lost. 

He was a tall man, with a scar marking one of 
his cheeks that at first gave him a sinister look ; 
but when you came to know him better, you never 
again thought a thing about it. 

When he had read the sealed letter which Bob 
brought him he shook hands with the young fel- 
low again, and looked more closely at him, with a 
gleam of admiration in his eyes that made the boy 
feel uneasy. He feared that some one in Washing- 
ton must have been sending on a description of 
some of the little exploits with which he had been 
connected ; and that did not please him at all. He 
preferred to start in fresh, and stand or fall by his 
ability to do his share of duty, when called upon in 
case of necessity. 

But all the same Bob knew that he was going to 
like the profession of a coast-guard, serving Uncle 
Sam in the capacity of a life-saver. The smell of 
the sea was like incense to his nostrils; he had 
longed to look upon its rolling surface for such a 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 125 

very long time. And somehow he did not feel 
afraid to test his strength and skill against the 
worst that the sleepy old ocean could show. 

The day after Bob’s arrival there was something 
of a heavy sea running; and he would never forget 
the thrill that shot through him when suddenly the 
captain announced that it was a splendid chance to 
launch the new lifeboat. 

This new style of craft, a powerboat, was as 
yet an untried proposition at Wyamoke Life-sav- 
ing Station, although it had been in use at other 
places for some time, and was found to be one of 
the finest things ever utilized in the service. Of 
course oars are always taken along, so that the 
crew of the boat may be prepared for any emer- 
gency; since it would be a perilous thing to start 
out through the surf without some means of pro- 
pelling their craft, should an accident happen to the 
machinery. Besides this, the oars were apt to come 
in very handy when fending off from the side of 
a wreck, tossed as the lifeboat always is at such 
times by the stormy seas. 

Possibly Captain Lon was not wholly satisfied 
with the expertness of his crew in handling the new 
boat, which, being somewhat heavier than the old 
one, still kept for emergencies, had to be handled 
somewhat differently. 

Then again he may have wished to give the new 
member of the crew his first lesson in the service. 


:i 26 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

being more than curious to see just how Bob would 
assume his share of the work. 

‘‘ Well, are you all ready for your first lesson? 
asked Captain Lon, of Bob. 

I guess so.^' 

Better put on your oilskins. There’s quite a 
bit of surf and spray to-day, and we’ll all get wet. 
Now just try to imagine you’re doing this in earnest, 
and not for fun, and you’ll make out better,” the 
captain advised Bob. 

‘‘ I’ll try, sir,” was the answer. 

“ That’s what I like to hear. Now then, is every- 
thing ready ? ” Captain Lon asked, of one of his 
men. 

‘‘ Aye, aye, sir I ” 

Good. Now then, no tricks, no jokes, just be- 
cause we’ve got a new member. I want you to show 
him all the kinks and ropes, boys, and tell him how 
to do things. Just because you fellows are up in 
the game now,” he went on, addressing the crew, 
“ doesn’t mean that you weren’t green once. So no 
high jinks, now ! ” 

‘‘ Aye, aye, sir ! ” chorused the men, and, some- 
how, Bob felt more at home with them. 

He was filled with eagerness to have his first real 
test in the leap of those white-capped breakers to 
seaward. 

To make it all as realistic as possible one of the 
men came running in while they were lounging 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 127 

around, with the information that there was a ves- 
sel on the Hogback Shoal, with sailors making sig- 
nals of distress, as though they expected their ship 
to break in two before long, and this necessity was 
supposed to act as a spur upon the life-savers. 

After adjusting their oilskin coverings the men 
made a rush for the house that served as a shelter 
for the boats. Here there was a sort of wooden 
tramway that might be likened to a pair of skids, 
along which the heavy lifeboat could be trundled 
until it was over the loose sand; after which it 
would be released from the wheels which had been 
used to bear it thus far, and by united effort on the 
part of the entire crew pushed further toward the 
water. 

Every man had a place, and Bob had been as- 
signed his, so that he knew just where to go. Look- 
ing out upon the curling billows as they came 
hurrying in to break upon the beach with a roar. 
Bob waited impatiently for the word from the 
captain which would start them outward. 

“Go!’’ suddenly shouted the station keeper, as 
his experienced eye told him that the proper open- 
ing had arrived. 

Immediately every man put his shoulder to the 
task, and the heavy lifeboat started into the water. 
While the entire company aided in the launching 
only six besides the captain constituted the crew, 
the others being assigned to the duty of remaining on 


128 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

shore to make signals, render assistance when the 
time came for landing, build a bonfire, it might be, 
that would serve as a beacon at night-time to those 
upon the heaving sea, or render first aid to the 
nearly drowned sailors who might be cast up on the 
beach. 

Bob had grasped his oar and worked valiantly 
with the rest, for it was necessary to propel the boat 
by muscular effort until well out upon the water. 
Once this had been accomplished the machinery 
was started, and the men were allowed to rest. In 
this way, under the new arrangements, they were 
likely to arrive at the wreck in good condition to go 
about the work of getting the survivors aboard the 
rescuing boat; whereas hitherto they often reached 
the scene of operations completely fagged from 
their strenuous labors. 

That first experience in bursting through the 
flying surf — would Bob ever forget it? And yet in- 
stead of dazing him or causing the least alarm, the 
boiling, bubbling waters seemed to give the boy a 
sense of highest exhilaration, because it was ex- 
actly what he had been longing for. 

They passed out to sea for some distance, and 
Bob noticed carefully just how the pilot worked the 
lifeboat so that it met each comber slantingly, yet 
was never allowed to present a broadside to the 
mounting waves, lest a spill occur; for perhaps 
some day that duty might devolve upon him, and 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 129^ 

Bob wanted to know all there was to learn about 
the life-saving business. 

After they had covered as much of the dangerous 
shoals as seemed necessary the boat was again 
headed for the shore. Here a new experience 
awaited the novice, and in which he took as great 
interest as in the launching. 

It looked as though there might be a great deal 
of peril in trying to run in on one of those giant 
rollers, and such would have been the fact had there 
been anything but an experienced hand at the helm. 
But when they had arrived at a certain stage the 
captain shut off power, the boat was held steady 
with the six stout oars until he saw the proper sec- 
ond had come, when he gave the word: 

Now, pull away, lads ! ” 

As the boat started, the toppling billow caught 
up with them, and they were carried along with it 
toward the beach, in this fashion striking upon the 
sand, where the others were in waiting to seize 
hold, so that the receding waters might not drag 
the craft back again; after which the crew jumped 
waist-deep into the sea, and with a yo-heave-o ” 
the heavy powerboat was urged far up the beach. 

‘‘ Well done, lads! was the comment of the cap- 
tain; and as he was a man of few words this told 
those who had been in the drill that they had ac- 
complished all he had expected. His eye rested for 
a brief time on Bob, and from the little nod as 


130 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

well as smile which he gave the new hand, it was 
evident that Captain Lon was quite satisfied with 
the way Bob had handled himself. 

Counting Bob and the captain, who was always 
ready to stand his share of the work, there were 
now just nine surf men at the Wyamoke Station, a 
full complement. The other men had joined the 
captain on the first of August, and had contracted 
to remain until the following June, but Bob had 
come early in September. 

It was necessary to patrol the beach for a dis- 
tance of several miles on either side of the station 
four times every night; and to accomplish this the 
crew was divided into two watches, the first going 
on duty at sundown, and the second coming off at 
sunrise. 

The captain was not supposed to take a regular 
turn at this ; but all the same he had about his share 
of it, being ready to fill the place of any man who 
happened to be sick; or was over on the mainland 
visiting his family in a case of absolute necessity; 
for the life-savers are supposed to cut loose from 
home ties when they go on duty during the stormy 
period between the first of August and the end of 
May. 

Bob thought it great sport to sally forth, ac- 
companied by a comrade, armed with Coston lights, 
to be burned in case of any necessity for signaling 
arising. While the weather remained fine this was 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 13 1 

an easy task, l>ut of course Bob knew that the con- 
ditions must l>^ greatly changed once a storm came 
along. 

He asked a thousand questions, and became well 
posted on such things as were bound to enter into 
this new life. And the more he saw of it the 
greater became his satisfaction. He felt that he had 
made no mistake in choosing a life of this kind; 
and was now only waiting to discover what that 
same ocean might look like when the wild winds 
caused the billows to sweep far up on the sandy 
beach, and ill-fated vessels were in danger of be- 
ing blown on the shoals, there to go to pieces under 
the pounding of the surf. 

As he lay there on that afternoon, thinking per- 
haps of home, or it might be wondering whether 
fortune would ever bring him in contact again with 
the old sailor whom he had assisted by the way, 
one of his mates came and dropped down beside him. 

This was a young fellow, a native of the shore, 
who seemed to have taken a fancy for Bob. He was 
unpolished, and in his way uncouth, but all the same 
his nerve had been tested many a time, and was 
never known to fail him. And Thad Wappinger 
delighted in asking the new surfman many questions 
regarding the outside world, which was as yet an 
unknown territory to him, since he had never in all 
his life been more than fifty miles away from 
Wyamoke village. 


132 Bob Spencer the Life Sasser 

But now it was something beyond a. desire to seek 
information that brought Thad out tc throw himself 
down alongside the newcomer. 

Reckon as how yuh mout see somethin’ doin’ 
lo-night, Bob,” he remarked, with c chuckle, as he 
nodded off toward the South, where a low bank 
of clouds seemed to hug the distant horizon. 

I was just wondering along that same line my- 
self, as I watched the lazy way that bank of clouds 
rises,” the other replied, showing new interest in 
the matter. Of course that’s something where I 
need a whole lot of experience before I can guess 
what the weather’s going to be; but I’ll get there 
yet, see if I don’t. And so you think we’ll nave a 
blow before sunrise, do you, Thad?” 

** Dead sartin that way,” came the steady 
response ; Cap, he sez as how the glass she’s been 
tumblin’ fo’ nigh three hours now, an’ she’s that 
low he looks fo’ a extra bad spell tuh kim along. 
It’s about time tuh git one o’ them thar pesky 
West Indy hurricanes along the coast; and let me 
tell yuh. Bob, they air hummers when they does hit 
us.” 

** I’ve always understood that way,” replied Bob, 
turning a more respectful eye upon that insignificant 
line of dark clouds, so low down as to be almost 
unnoticed, except by the experienced eye of a watch- 
ful mariner, or a life-saver on the coast. 

‘‘Then agin, yuh must a-noticed that it’s ben 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 133 

awful close terday. Seems like they jest hain’t a 
breath o’ air astirrin’ nohow. Wall, thet’s a purty 
good sign o’ a change a-comin’ soon. Notice thet 
Cap Lon he’ll take a good look over every bit o’ 
stuff, boats, signal flares, wreck gun, beach ap- 
paratus; and every rope’ll be inspected jest as keer- 
fully as if he reckoned lives depended on its holdin’, 
which jest as like as not they be. Everything thet 
a station capten cud do tuh prevent accidents, that 
he’ll be lookin’ arter.” 

** You think a good deal of our captain, I can see,” 
remarked Bob, who wished to get posted on every- 
thing connected with his future existence at 
Wyamoke Station. 

Why, yuh see we jest has tuh,” came the answer. 
“ They ain’t no sort o’ man as cud hold out agin 
Cap Lon. He’s allers ready to take any surf man’s 
place, and never sends wun o’ us whar he’d be afraid 
tuh go hisself. Thet’s why we think they hain’t 
never been his ekal along in District Six or Seven.” 

Then all I can say is, that I was mighty lucky 
to be appointed to this same station,” remarked 
Bob, earnestly. “ Everything depends on the cap- 
tain, they say, whether the crew work together, or 
pull against each other. And at Wyamoke there’s 
never been any friction, so they told me at Wash- 
ington. They think that it’s the model station 
along this district. But see there, Thad, the wind 


134 Spencer the Life Saver 

must have taken a new slant, because the clouds are 
coming up lively/’ 

Yes, and we’d better git back tub the station, 
’cause the Cap might want us tuh do somethin’ er 
other. He allers believes thet it’s better tuh be 
ready than tuh think o’ things arter it’s too late.” 

And Thad was right, for the keeper found plenty 
to keep them all busy during the remainder of that 
short Fall afternoon. With the prospect of a bad 
night before them, it was only the part of wisdom 
to examine such things as were apt to be needed 
before another day dawned. Just as the surf man 
had said. Captain Lon overhauled every bit of his 
tackle, so as to feel renewed confidence that every- 
thing was as it should be, and that nothing would 
betray them when they were staking their very lives 
on its staunchness. 

As the day drew near its close the wind increased 
until it was blowing a gale. 

For the first time Bob saw the sea rise in its 
might, and the sight would have been awe-inspiring 
to most boys, but it did not seem to fill him with 
any particular dread. 

On the contrary he felt a keen desire to put his 
puny strength and his knowledge of boats to the 
test, in a battle with the elements. Nor did he ex- 
perience any regret that he had enlisted in the 
service of Uncle Sam as a life-saver. 

With the coming of the storm the men donned 


Patrolling the Danger Coast 135 

their oilskin garments, and their sou' westers, so as 
to stand the drenching they expected would be their 
portion before another day dawned. 

“ Get ready for a hard night's work, boys," 
Captain Lon had told them; and looking out upon 
the darkening sea, with its billows leaping aloft, 
and the spray whipped by the wind wetting their 
faces, those hardy souls knew that in all probability 
some ill-fated vessel would in the darkness be borne 
upon the terrible shoals, and a call for help go out 
that must take them upon the heaving bosom of the 
deep, ready to try and save the imperiled mariners. 


CHAPTER XV 


THE STORM 

“ It’s partners fo’ me ’n you, Bob, this night ! ” 
said Thad Wappinger, after they had eaten a hearty 
supper, and were ready to take up the patrol work 
that would in all probability keep them busy until 
dawn. 

I’m glad of that, Thad,” remarked the boy, who 
seemed to have taken quite a fancy to the brawny 
native. Is our watch the first, or the second?” 

“ We go out right away,” answered the other, who 
was adjusting his oilskins in a manner that told how 
well he knew the great need there would be for these 
during the continuance of the storm. 

Which is our beat. North or South? ” continued 
Bob. 

“ No’th for we-uns this time,” Thad told him. 

“ And that’s the quarter where most of the 
wrecks occur; isn’t it, Thad?” 

‘‘ I reckons as how fo’ outen five do happen up 
that away; but when we has a touch o’ a reg’lar 
West Indy hurricane they’s liable to hit in on the 
shoals any ole place.” 


136 


The Storm 


137 


Thad was naturally curious about this new com- 
rade. He could not help but wonder how Bob 
would stand the test when it came right down to 
business. A fellow might prove himself what land 
lubbers would call a hero, in shallow ponds where 
skaters had broken through the treacherous ice; or 
even when a fire was raging in some small building, 
and- yet fail to make good under other conditions. 

Still, the native son of the coast had looked in 
vain to detect any uneasiness about Bob when he 
stood and watched those great waves pounding over 
the shoals, sending up showers of spray, and finally 
hurling themselves up the sandy beach. 

He saw the other prepare to accompany him out 
into the storm, and noted that he even seemed eager 
to make the start. Perhaps much of this enthusiasm 
would soon be apt to wear off, after he had been 
struggling against the fury of the gale for a while. 
But Thad was plainly astonished to see the youth 
so unconcerned; why, he could hardly appear more 
so had he been raised close to the ocean, and come 
in contact with these wild scenes many times every 
year of his life. But Bob was really a child of the 
storm, and never so happy as when listening to the 
voices of aroused Nature all around him. 

When other boys crouched low in their shelter, 
hiding their eyes to shut out the blinding electric 
glare. Bob had been wont to stand, heedless alike 
of the drenching rain or the play of the wind, watch- 


138 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

ing the red fingers of lightning run athwart the dark 
sky, and apparently drinking it all in with eagerness. 

Having made all their preparations, the patrol of 
the first watch was now ready to start out, two head- 
ing North, and another couple toward the South. 

They were supposed to cover some two miles and 
more before turning around ; and to riiake sure that 
this was done with no shirking of duty they must 
leave a token of their presence at a certain spot at 
the end of the route, which the second patrol would 
bring in; thus proving that both sections of the 
guard had covered their full territory. 

The little house among the sand dunes looked 
very cozy that night while the storm was howling 
all around it. The fire felt comfortable, and the 
glow of the lamps gave a cheery aspect to things. 
But the men of the coast have little opportunity to 
enjoy any of their nights, since one-half are sup- 
posed to be out on duty until after midnight, while 
the others sleep ; and then the conditions are 
reversed. 

Captain Lon, with his accustomed care, made sure 
that every man was in a position to do his full duty, 
should an emergency arise ; and it is liable to happen 
at almost any unexpected moment with these coast- 
guards. 

They carried a supply of Coston flares that were 
to be burned in case a vessel in peril was discovered ; 
and as signals on other accounts as well, for this is 


The Storm 


139 

one of the most useful articles known to the life- 
saving service. 

Besides this, each man had a few simple remedies 
to be used as restoratives, should he run across any 
unfortunate wretch who had been cast ashore, and 
was almost dead from the buffetings of the waves. 

Every member of the corps is taught how to 
revive the near-drowned, and because of this knowl- 
edge, which is a part of their education, many a life 
has been saved that must otherwise have been lost. 

All being ready, the men opened the door, and 
then the howl of the gale sounded louder than ever. 
Captain Lon shook hands with each one as they 
passed out; and perhaps he gave Bob an especially 
strong squeeze, for he knew that the boy was bound 
to meet with a rough experience that night, which 
would go far toward telling whether he was 
cut out for a coast-guard, or had mistaken his voca- 
tion. 

But the look Bob gave him back was cheery 
enough; and the good-hearted keeper of Wyamoke 
Station found reason to hope that his first impres- 
sions of the new member of his corps had not been 
amiss. 

The Government does not expect these life-saving 
stations, scattered all along the Atlantic and Pacific 
seaboards, and the Great Lakes as well, to the num- 
ber of two hundred and eighty, to be wholly used as 
harbors of refuge by those who are rescued from the 


140 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

various wrecks that may occur. Under certain con- 
ditions the master of such a station is allowed to take 
exhausted sailormen, for a short period of 
time. 

Down along the Florida coast, where the condi- 
tions are vastly different from any other part of 
country, there have been instituted Houses of 
Refuge. These are in charge of a keeper, who is 
supposed to patrol the beach at stated periods, cov- 
ering a certain amount of ground, and succoring any 
unfortunate who may have been cast ashore. 

These Houses of Refuge are supplied with boats, 
provisions and restoratives, but are not manned by 
crews. In case of emergency some of the natives 
will take a boat out to a wreck on the first or sec- 
ond bar, and this without pay. 

When Bob and his companion started off they had 
the storm in their faces for a time, as it was com- 
ing from the north-east; one of the worst quarters 
for trouble on the whole coast, because it threw 
vessels that had lost their bearings on the shoals be- 
fore they could be warned off by the distant light- 
ship that guarded the danger zone. 

‘‘ Whew ! This is some blow ! ’’ cried Bob, as he 
turned his back to the wind Tor an instant, in order 
to take a full breath. '' Does it often blow this way 
down here ? ” 

“ Once in a while,’’ yelled the other in Bob’s 


The Storm 


141 

car, for one had to yell in order to be heard above 
the fury of the gale. 

“ Once in a while is twice too often ! answered 
Bob back, with grim humor. Is your hair fastened 
on good and tight, Thad ? ” 

My hair ? Why in course it is — that is, what 
I got left? Was you a thinkin’ I wore a wig?’’ 

“ I didn’t know, Thad, but if you do, tie it on 
well.” 

‘‘ Huh ! ” grunted the other, hardly understanding 
Bob’s humor. “ Come on ! ” 

Again they started up the beach, bending down 
their heads to escape the almost tropical fury of 
the wind and rain. The water seemed to come down 
in sheets, and this, with the salty spray blowing 
over them, made it seem like walking through a 
fountain. 

Every now and then would come a dazzling flash 
of lightning, followed by a booming crash of thun- 
der, that seemed to shake the very ground. 

Bob frequently turned his eager gaze out to sea 
when this glow lighted up the tumbling waters, 
trying to discover if there were any signs of an 
lui fortunate vessel in sight. 

That wonderful view fascinated the boy. Long 
had he tried to picture such a scene in his mind, and 
now he found that the reality was even more as- 
tounding than he had ever believed could be pos- 
sible. 


142 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

They pushed on for half an hour, and then Thad 
caught hold of his companion’s arm, bringing him 
to a halt. 

‘‘We’ve jest got tuh rest up a bit, Bob!” he 
shouted, for ordinary talking would have been use- 
less while all that riot was going on around them. 

“Just as you say, Thad,” replied the other, as 
though it was a matter of indifference to him. 

Thad had held out even longer than usual, think- 
ing to hear his companion ask indulgence. He was 
surprised to find out that Bob seemed impervious 
to fatigue. 

In the lee of a high sand dune they sought shelter 
from the worst of the storm’s fury, and tried to 
catch their breath, so as to be in condition to once 
more face the gale. 

Under ordinary conditions they were supposed to 
cover the two miles and back twice each night, be- 
fore turning out the second relay of men; but this 
would be an utter impossibility while such a storm 
was in full blast. 

To-night they were slated to make their way to 
the end of the route, leave their token there for the 
second relay to get and bring in; and after spend- 
ing perhaps an hour or more on the distant spot, 
keeping a bright lookout for signs of vessels stand- 
ing into danger, return to the station again. 

Masters of vessels are given copies of the rules 
and regulations connected with the United States 


The Storm 


143 


Life Saving Service ; and in particular are cautioned, 
if they are driven ashore anywhere in the vicinity 
of a station along the sandy coasts, where there is 
not much danger of the ship breaking up immedi- 
ately, to remain aboard until assistance comes; and 
under no circumstances must they attempt to land 
through the surf in their own boats, until the last 
hope of rescue from the shore has vanished. 

Often when it seems comparatively smooth at sea 
there is a dangerous surf running, which may not 
be perceptible three or four hundred yards off shore ; 
and in consequence of this many valuable lives have 
been sacrificed by crews of stranded vessels being 
deceived, and attempting to land in their own boats, 
not suitable for standing the fierce pounding of the 
surf. 

When Thad believed that they had rested enough 
to allow of their continuing the journey in the teeth 
of the storm, he announced the fact to Bob; and ac- 
cordingly they once more set forth. 

It was a hard task to reach the end of their 
route, and several more stops had to be made before 
this was done. Here there was a sort of shelter 
where the patrol could ward off the worst of the 
wind and rain while waiting for an hour or so to 
elapse, before starting on the return trip. 

They hoped to have it a little easier when they 
could in a measure turn their backs to the wind, 


144 Spenecr the Life Saver 

though it was bad enough, take it any way one 
would. 

Every little while the anxious Bob would come 
from behind the shelter and gaze eagerly out upon 
the tumult of raging waters. What with the thun- 
der, and the roar of the breaking billows as they 
pounded on the sandy beach, the noise was indeed 
deafening. And the very prospect of having to 
launch the lifeboat, to start out on that raging sea, 
would have caused many a hardy soul to shiver 
with dismay. 

Bob was not hoping that a wreck would occur, 
even while more than eager to himself take part 
in the rescue of an imperiled crew ; but nevertheless 
he seemed to watch with unusual vim; and Thad, 
to whom it was an old, old story, was perfectly 
willing to let the other take this duty on his 
shoulders. 

Several times Bob thought he caught a fleeting 
glimpse of something that looked like a vessel far 
out at sea; and on each occasion he watched most 
anxiously until a succeeding flash came, to find that 
it had vanished, and could after all have been only 
the foamy crest of a giant billow. 

But when they had been in the little refuge about 
an hour, after a little interval had elapsed, upon 
once more standing up and taking a sweeping view 
of the storm-swept sea. Bob gave vent to an ex- 
clamation of excitement; for this time he knew that 


The Storm 


145 


he was not mistaken. There in plain sight he dis- 
covered a bark that seemed to have been thrown 
upon the treacherous shoals, for it was shiftin 
broadside to the onrushing seas that were dashin 
completely over it, as wave followed wave in rapid 
succession I 


aq aq 


CHAPTER XVI 


LAUNCHING THE LIFEBOAT 

No mistake this time, because that’s a vessel on 
the shoal, as sure as anything ! ” was what Bob said 
to himself. 

After one more look, to make doubly sure, he 
dodged back, and caught hold of Thad’s arm, shout- 
ing: 

‘‘ There’s a bark on the sands out there, Thad ! 
Hark, didn’t you hear that shot ? They’re signaling 
for help ! ” 

Thad was on his feet instantly. Duty compelled 
him to forget everything else but the fact that he 
was in the service of Uncle Sam, and that just then 
it was his business to try and save life, if it were 
possible. 

As soon as he himself saw the vessel that was in 
peril, Thad started to show his companion just how 
the first Coston flare should be lighted, and waved, 
so as to let those aboard know that their sad plight 
had been discovered; and assure them that every- 
thing possible looking to their rescue would be at- 
tempted. 


146 


Launching the Lifeboat 147 

When that small glow sprang up it was a weird 
spectacle that Bob looked upon, and one he was not 
likely to soon forget. 

The two coast-guards kept a sharp watch as the 
flare continued to burn, and immediately afterwards ; 
for it was expected that those aboard the stranded 
vessel would take some means of informing the life- 
savers that they had seen their signal, and would 
remain aboard, waiting for the expected assistance. 

A minute or two passed after the flare had died 
out. Then, just when Bob was about to ignite his 
Coston signal he discovered that some sort of light 
was being waved to and fro aboard the bark. 

‘‘ They’ve seen our signal, and that’s the an- 
swer ! ” he shotfted, in excitement ; for now he knew 
what the next step must be; and that if it were at 
all possible to launch the lifeboat, or the lighter 
surfboat, a rescue would be attempted. 

‘‘ It’s back tuh the house fo’ we-uns. Bob ! ” said 
Thad, as he saw the waving light, which might have 
been a ship’s Jantern, move to and fro for a brief 
space of time, and then suddenly disappear, as a 
monster billow swept completely over the bark. 

The two started off, making better time now, 
because they did not have to face the storm so much; 
and besides, the excitement hurried their footsteps 
more or less. 

Of course Bob many times turned half-way 
around, and when the lightning played, tried to make 


148 Bob Spencer the Life Saver' 

out the position of the vessel; but on account of 
the increasing distance, and the leaping of the spray, 
he soon lost all track of the object of their concern. 

** Oh ! I hope the ship has not been broken up al- 
ready! ” Bob was saying to himself; and he might 
have asked his companion about it, only talking 
under those conditions was such a tremendous task, 
and there was really not a minute to spare. 

The two miles seemed very long to impatient Bob. 
He thought they would never get over the stretch 
of sand dunes, for as the waves beat high up on the 
beach it was necessary for them to keep further 
back, where the walking was three times as dif- 
ficult. 

More than once he caught hold of Thad, and 
asked whether they must not be close to the home 
station; and each time, the other, knowing it was 
impatience that caused Bob to make this inquiry, 
would hasten to reassure him. 

“ On’y a leetle bit further. Bob,” he kept saying 
in the ear of the youth; and then the pair of them 
would once more start to push their way along, 
reeling at times, and frequently measuring their 
length on the sand. 

At last they sighted the cheery lights ahead that 
told them they were drawing close to the station. 
Bob thought of those poor fellows out on that 
stranded bark, and felt glad that the long tramp 
had come to an end. 


Launching the Lifeboat 149 

Thad had informed him that there was small 
likelihood of the stricken vessel going to pieces ere 
daybreak; and long before then they would reach 
her, provided the surf allowed the launching of the 
boat. 

Into the station burst Bob and his mate. For a 
moment they were dazzled by the bright light, in 
contrast to the gloom through which they had come, 
and the warm glow of the fire was welcorrie to their 
benumbed bodies. 

“ What is it? ” cried Captain Lon, for he seemed 
to sense news of danger. 

Wreck ! ” Bob managed to gasp, for Thad could 
not seem to get his breath. “We saw her — burned 
our signals — she — she answered ! ” 

“ Where is she ? ” cried several, starting to their 
feet. 

“ Out there ! ” cried Bob, pointing with dripping 
hand. 

“ A bark on the Rip-rap Shoals, Cap ! ” exclaimed 
Thad, as soon as he could close the door behind 
himself and Bob, so as to shut out the worst of the 
storm, and make himself clearly heard. 

“Rip-rap Shoals; eh?” cried the keeper of the 
station as he started immediately to don his oilskins 
and fasten his battered old sou’wester so that the 
wind might not snatch it from his head. “ They’ve 
gone and picked out the worst spot to strike that 
lies to the north of us. How does she lie, Thad ? ” 


150 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

'' Head on, but the seas are a-breakin’ over her 
bad,” replied the experienced surfman, whose prac- 
ticed eye had taken in all particulars as he scanned 
the wreck during those brief periods when the 
lightning flashed. 

“ Chances are she’ll soon broach to, under that 
pounding,” ventured the captain ; and once that 
happens, so the waves hit her broadside on, she’ll go 
to pieces before mornin’ ! ” 

** We got tuh git busy if we wanter fotch any o’ 
them chaps ashore — that’s right, Cap,” Thad went 
on to say. 

Sure you’ve located her right, are ye, Thad ? ” 
continued the cautious head of the life-saving crew, 
for a great deal depended on the accuracy of the 
information received. 

‘‘Take my affldavy on it. Cap; and it’s been a 
heap o’ years since I made a blunder. I had my 
lesson, and I ain’t done forgot what a mistake 
means. She’s sure on the Rip-rap Shoals this time.” 

“ All right then, Thad ; we’ll make in that quarter, 
and without losing any more time,” and Captain 
Lon’s manner told Bob that the old life-saver did 
not doubt their ability to reach the scene of the 
wreck, no matter how strong the wind blew and the 
surf roared. 

While this talk was going on every member of 
the life-saving crew had busied himself making 


Launching the Lifeboat 15 1 

ready to take his place in the boat which would soon 
be launched. 

Every man had a life belt about his body, since it 
was a common occurrence for a wave to snatch a 
member of the crew out of the boat. Under such 
circumstances he must depend for salvation on the 
buoyancy of the cork belt, his agility in seizing hold 
of the life lines along the gunwale of the boat, and 
the readiness of his companions to clutch hold of 
him before he had been swept beyond reach. 

Just then several men from the main shore came 
along. They had made their way across the sound 
despite the danger, under the belief that there might 
be a wreck on this night, and possibly valuable 
flotsam come ashore by morning. 

These men were not professional wreckers, but 
all their lives they had come to depend upon the sea 
to bring them various things worth salving. More 
than one humble home in Wyamoke had an organ, 
or even a piano, that had come ashore after some 
storm, and which, being dried out and fixed, was 
making music as though it had never been aboard 
of a vessel broken in two by the wind and waves. 

It was no unusual thing for men of the coast to 
come over to the sandy strip on which the life- 
saving station lay, when bad weather threatened. 
Indeed, on more than one occasion the captain, 
finding himself short-handed when the boat was to 
be launched, had called not in vain for volunteers; 


1^2 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

and those hardy seamen,- accustomed all their lives 
to buffeting the waves, did almost as well as the 
regular crew. 

Nor did the Government allow them to go unre- 
warded, as the reports will show that extra pay is 
frequently granted to outsiders on whom the captain 
in the exercise of his judgment has called. 

There had been considerable curiosity shown in 
that neighborhood concerning the working of the 
new power lifeboat. As yet it had not been seen in 
actual service, although there was hardly a day but 
that the captain had not made use of it, so as to get 
the run of the arrangements for its working, so dif- 
ferent from the old-time method of long oars and 
muscular strength. 

When all the men were ready, a rush was made 
for that part of the station where both the old and 
the new lifeboats were kept under shelter. 

The heavy craft were so arranged that they could 
be run down into the water on wheels that ran 
part of the way on heavy ‘‘ skids ; ” and then 
launched by the combined efforts of the crew, rush- 
ing into the sea with the boat and jumping in at a 
certain moment. Several of the men were sup- 
posed to be in their places, ready to make desperate 
use of the oars in order to keep the boat from being 
thrown back on the beach with each succeeding 
wave. 

Bob had gone through the drill several times, and 


Launching the Lifeboat 153 

knew the part he was expected to play. True, this 
practice had taken place during comparatively calm 
weather; but it had the merit of accustoming each, 
member of the crew to his particular task; so that 
they would work in perfect unison at the critical 
time. 

‘‘ Give way, lads !*” shouted the captain, when 
they were all on hand, ready to attempt the launch- 
ing of the big power lifeboat. 

There was a cheer, for these men went at their 
work with a vim, as though it appealed to some 
element in their natures that lived on excitement, 
and caused them to snap their fingers in the face of 
danger. 

Immediately the boat commenced to move, for 
everything was kept in perfect condition where 
Captain Lon Shanley was concerned; and if there 
had been five score wheels to turn, not one would 
give out a squeak for lack of lubricating oil. 

Six men, counting the captain, were to go in the 
boat, the others remaining on the beach to stand 
by and lend assistance when the rescuing party came 
back — it was to be hoped with the crew of the 
stranded bark in their company. 

Just beyond the reach of the rushing waves a 
brief halt was made. The keen and experienced 
eye of the captain must judge accurately at just 
what instant the last word should be given, and the 
launching completed. In this he had to take into 


154 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

consideration the size of the billows, for every third 
one seemed to far exceed the others in dimensions, 
and in the fury with which it lashed the shore. 

When in his judgment it was right for them to 
make an attempt the captain would give the word, 
and away the boat would rush deep into the water, 
with the pair aboard pulling desperately at their 
oars so as to keep from having all their work for 
nothing. Then over the sides would come tumbling 
the other five stalwart fellows, to drop into their 
places, and get additional oars working as speedily 
as possible. 

Sometimes things would not go just as they 
ought, and the consequence was that a second and 
even a third attempt must be made before the boat 
could be launched. 

But such did not happen to be the case on this 
night, when Bob Spencer was getting his initiation 
into the hazardous experience of a life-saver. Cap- 
tain Lon must have timed things exactly right, for 
the boat hit the water, pushed forward, was held 
fairly steady by the pair who sat in their places 
until the balance could crawl aboard; and then they 
were off, pulling straight out into the foamy waves, 
where the full force of the sea swept at them. 


CHAPTER XVII 


ALONGSIDE THE WRECK 

A TREMENDOUS wavc broke over the boat the 
first thing, and drenched them all; but that was 
a matter of no particular consequence. What did 
count for a great deal was the fact that they 
managed to keep the bow of the big boat pointed 
directly out to sea, and that they were holding their 
own. 

As soon as he knew that it was practical and safe 
to start the engine, the captain hastened to do so. 
Crouching there in the wildly-tossing lifeboat he 
gave several quick whirls to turn the fly wheel, and 
immediately they felt the convulsive throb that told 
of his success, for sounds it was next to impossible 
to hear in all that confusion. 

There was now no longer any necessity for using 
the stout oars, and hence they were taken in, though 
always kept in readiness for service, should any- 
thing go wrong with the gasoline power. 

“ This beats rowing ! ’’ cried Bob, in the ear of the 
man next him. 


155 


156 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

‘‘ It sure does,” was the answer. ‘‘ We’ll be out 
to her in no time now, but if we had to use the oars 
there’d be no telling when we’d reach her.” 

“If the engine gives out, though, we’ll have to 
row,” said another member of the crew. 

“Oh, don’t be a croaker!” he was advised. 
“ This engine isn’t going to stop ! ” 

And Bob certainly hoped not, as he looked at the 
tumbling waters all about him — waters that seemed 
ready to engulf the small craft, if the vigilance of 
those aboard was relaxed for an instant. 

On swept the sturdy craft, her motor throbbing 
and humming as the propeller beat the waves to 
foam. 

Knowing that it was necessary to go some two 
miles or more up the coast. Captain Lon quickly 
began to steer that way. It required the most del- 
icate judgment in order to avoid letting the seas 
strike them on the starboard quarter as they ran 
up the coast. Such a happening would have possibly 
resulted in a serious catastrophe, for doubtless the 
boat must be thrown on her beam ends, and capsized. 

With an eye that had become proficient through 
long experience, the steersman watched each billow, 
and by the aid of the lightning that was still flashing 
frequently, he managed to keep the boat headed 
just as close to the danger line as he dared run with- 
out taking too great chances. 

The men, not having to row, were able now to 


Alongside the Wreck 157 

look ahead to some extent ; which of course Bob was 
doing, as he felt the keenest curiosity to learn as 
quickly as possible whether or not the vessel in dis- 
tress were still where he had first discovered her. 
He somehow seemed to have a fear that no one 
would be able to locate the luckless bark, which 
might have been pounded to pieces before this, 
despite the assurances to the contrary on the part of 
Thad. 

Every time the lifeboat rose on the top of a 
comber Bob was to be seen raising himself to make 
the best use he could of his splendid eyesight. 

“ There she is ! ’’ he suddenly shouted at the top 
of his voice. 

The men greeted the information with a cheer. 
They took a natural pride in the work for which they 
had been selected by Uncle Sam ; the fact that they 
were in the employ of the Government always gave 
them an advantage over ordinary fishermen or 
oystermen, and on this account they were looked up 
to with more or less respect by their fellows along 
the shore. 

Captain Lon had also sighted the stranded vessel, 
and was working so as to come up to the leeward of 
her. This would be absolutely necessary if they 
hoped to take off the crew. There were times when 
the waves proved so extraordinary that even such 
a method could not be put into practice; and then 
all sorts of desperate expedients had to be resorted 


158 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

to in order to get the distressed sailors from their 
lost vessel into the lifeboat. 

Sometimes they had even to be coaxed to jump 
overboard, and take the chances of the coast-guard 
picking them up. Then again a line might be passed 
between the rescuing boat and the wreck, along 
which the sailors could travel. 

Think we can make it. Cap ? asked Charles 
Coon, who chanced to be closer to the steersman 
than any of the others. 

The captain only nodded his head. He was too 
much taken up with the grave problem which it was 
now his duty to solve, to bother with words; and 
besides, he did not choose to waste his breath in 
trying to make himself heard in all that clamor. 

Now they could see that there were men clinging 
to the rigging of the vessel on the shoals. Both 
main and mizzen masts had gone by the board, 
and there was considerable wreckage hanging to 
leeward, which it would be the duty of Captain 
Lon to avoid, lest he injure the propeller of his 
powerboat, and thus be forced to depend on oars 
after all. 

Now they were in a position to run up toward the 
wreck. Bob was keenly awake to everything that 
was going on. He had dreamed of some day find- 
ing himself engaged in just this sort of business, 
and did not mean to miss any feature connected with 
the bold rescue. 


Alongside the Wreck 159 

To these experienced men this was hardly more 
than an incident, because everything was working 
so smoothly. They knew only too well what it 
was to have accidents happen when they were abroad 
on a stormy night, with inky darkness all around 
them, and dangers of every kind hovering over their 
heads ; but now the sea was acting in what they con- 
sidered a reasonable mood, in that they could an- 
ticipate its attack, and easily win out. 

Closer and still closer they approached the wreck. 
It was possible to see the figures of the wildly- 
waving sailors, who had evidently fastened them- 
selves to the rigging that was left, in the hope of 
being able to resist the efforts of the Waves each 
time they broke over the vessel to carry them off. 

Soon even their voices could be heard, borne 
down on the wind, as they cheered the coming of 
the life-savers, and begged them not to be easily 
discouraged. They should have known those men 
better than to suspect that they would turn back and 
leave them to their fate, even had the impediments 
been three times as great; for Captain Lon Shanley 
had the reputation of being dismayed at nothing. 

Now came the risky task of bringing the lifeboat 
alongside the wreck, for while the waves were break- 
ing over the bark from the other quarter, all the 
same there was a tremendous rise and fall on the 
sheltered side, and a number of the life-savers must 


i6o Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

exert every endeavor in the effort to fend off, so 
they might not be swamped. 

The men aboard would have to jump to catch 
the boat on the rise, otherwise they must have a long 
drop, and might even miss getting aboard, or per- 
haps break a leg by ill-luck. 

In such a case as this the captain of the lifeboat 
has full authority to give orders, which even ex- 
ceeds that of the ship captain for the time being. 
He it is who directs just how the work of rescue 
may go on; and it is the law of the sea that all head- 
long rushing and crowding must be avoided, and the 
captain of the vessel that is in danger must remain 
on board until the very last, so as to preserve order. 
That is the reason so many brave commanders 
go down with their boats and find a hero’s grave 
beneath the waters of the deep. 

Goods or baggage of any description may not be 
taken into a lifeboat until at least every human 
soul has been saved; and then only with the con- 
sent of the one in charge. If any be brought in 
against the remonstrance of the captain, he is 
authorized by the Government to throw this im- 
mediately overboard. 

In the case of the bark that had come on the shoals 
near Wyamoke Station, there did not appear to be 
any insurmountable difficulties in the way of rescue. 
Smoothly the power lifeboat pushed up alongside. 


Alongside the Wreck i6i 

and was fended off by the oars in the hands of the 
sturdy crew. 

Looking up. Bob could see several sailors ready 
to drop down upon them. Captain Lon shook his 
fist upwards as he roared : 

“ Women and children first, you lubbers! Don’t 
a single one of you dare to drop down, if there’s 
any such on deck. We’ll toss you overboard if you 
do!” 

Apparently that had the intended effect, for those 
who had made motions as if about to jump held 
back. And when the lifeboat arose again on the sur- 
face of the next billow, so that those below were 
brought close to the deck of the wreck, if could be 
seen that someone, evidently the skipper, was threat- 
ening the men with a pistol, possibly saying to them 
just about what Captain Lon had roared so lustily : 

Women first, always, no matter what happens ! ” 

There was at least one woman aboard, and a 
sailor could be seen unfastening her from the rig- 
ging still clinging to the stump of a mast, where she 
had been secured to prevent her from being washed 
away. 

Twice more did the lifeboat rise and fall, before 
they were ready to try and lower her to the willing 
hands outstretched to receive the poor soul, fright- 
ened half to death by the peril of the hour. 

Bob was there, ready to assist, and it was a work 
in which his whole heart seemed wrapped up. For 


i 62 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

this had he left home, and taken up his lodging 
there upon that stormy coast, with but a few hardy 
men for his daily companions. He wanted to make 
the most of it, now that the occasion had arrived. 

The task of receiving the woman, perhaps the 
captain’s wife, had been accomplished safely, and 
she was now secure in the lifeboat, watched by those 
who were about her. 

‘‘ Now let the men come, one at a time! ” Captain 
Lon sent up in his strong voice. ‘‘ Don’t hurry ; 
take plenty of time, everybody! We’re here to save 
the last man; so if you go overboard instead of into 
the boat, that’s your lookout! Steady now, my 
hearty ; here you are ! ” 

The first sailor made an error of judgment, and 
missing the boat plunged into the sea ; but instantly 
the captain’s hand darted out and clutched hold of 
his clothes; and as he held on tenaciously, they 
presently dragged the fellow in, more frightened 
than hurt. 

The next used better judgment, and was able to 
drop nicely into the waist of the lifeboat, where an 
open space had been left on purpose for this taking 
on of the human cargo. 

Then came a third and a fourth, with fair luck, 
and it looked as though they might complete the 
loading without any serious mishap. The lone wo- 
man was kneeling with upraised face and clasped 
hands. Bob guessed that she must be praying that 


Alongside the Wreck 163 

her husband, the captain of the ill-fated bark, would 
be saved along with the members of his crew. 

So it went on until seven men had come aboard, 
and there could not be more than two or three left 
above. It was at this juncture that the first mis- 
fortune seemed to threaten the calculations of Cap- 
tain Lon ; for the next sailor either slipped when he 
was jumping, or else made an error of judgment; 
for he struck the side of the lifeboat, and plunged 
into the sea. 

As he must surely have been knocked senseless 
by the blow, the chances of his being able to help 
himself were exceedingly slim. So Bob, quick as a 
flash to conceive and carry out a plan of campaign, 
instantly threw himself overboard, bent on saving 
the poor fellow if it could possibly be done. The 
brave lad did not stop to consider that in so doing 
he was imperiling his own life. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


SAFE IN PORT 

It might have looked as though this was a very 
foolhardy play on the part of Bob Spencer. So ap- 
parently Captain Lon must have considered it at 
first; for he gave utterance to a cry of grief as he 
saw the boy swept away on the crest of the billow 
that was now receding. 

** The rope — take hold here, and pull when he gets 
his man!” Charles Coon was saying at the top of 
his voice; and then it could be seen that he was 
handling the coil that had lain in the bottom of the 
boat, ready to be tossed to any member of the life- 
saving crew unfortunate enough to be thrown out 
of his seat. 

Bob had been smarter than any one gave him 
credit for, since he had instantly passed the loop at 
the end of the rope over his shoulders, and under his 
arms, before he made that seemingly rash leap. 

Willing hands instantly took hold, and payed 
the rope out. Presently they could see with the 
next flash of lightning that Bob had clutched the 
164 


Safe in Port 


165 

stricken sailor, and was trying to swim back toward 
the boat ; though that would have been an impossible 
task even had he not been encumbered, only for his 
forethought in connection with that rope. 

And so they pulled both in, the swimmer and the 
man he had surely saved from a watery grave. But 
when Bob saw how lifeless the poor fellow looked 
he feared that after all he might have had his trouble 
for his pains. 

“ How many more are there of you ? ” called 
Captain Lon, as the lifeboat came up once again, 
so that he could see the skipper of the luckless bark. 

“ Three counting myself, that’s all,” was the an- 
swer that came in the strong voice of the master 
mariner who had done his full duty under those 
trying circumstances, and was evidently not disposed 
to desert his ship until every one else had been taken 
off. 

‘‘ Let another one jump over! ” came the order; 
and this was accomplished without any mishap; 
perhaps the men were more cautious now, and then 
again they must have concluded that the lifeboat was 
there to stick it out until all had been saved, so there 
was no need of undue anxiety on their part apt to 
lead to blunders. 

The second sailor also succeeded in making it, 
although he would have toppled over the side of the 
lifeboat, had not some one quickly thrown an arm 
around him. 


1 66 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Just then there came an unusual surge that swept 
the boat away from the side of the wreck, despite 
all attempts of the surfmen to hold fast. 

A shriek rang out as the captain’s wife believed 
they meant to abandon her brave husband to his 
fate; for signs there were in plenty that the bark 
could not stand much more of this fierce pound- 
ing without breaking up, and in that event anyone 
aboard of her would have but a slender chance. 

Doubtless they would have started the engine to 
doing its duty in another second; but the man on 
the wreck, fearing that he might be left there, dar- 
ingly leaped headlong into the sea, preferring to 
trust to the chances of being picked up, rather than 
remain where he was. 

Fortunately for him he used excellent judg- 
ment as to where he sprang. He had before then 
noticed the way the current set strongly, after each 
receding wave; and when the sudden test came he 
utilized this knowledge, so that it was really the 
means of saving his life. 

When he came to the surface shortly after striking 
the water, he began to swim lustily toward the boat. 
The woman was shrieking, and stretching out her 
hands, first toward the swimmer, and then in the 
direction of Captain Lon, whom she besought not to 
leave a brave man to his fate. 

Of course there was no such intention on the part 
of the old and tried life-saver. He would have ex- 


Safe in Port 


167 

hausted every known device before allowing such 
a doom to fall upon a seaman who had shown him- 
self to be possessed of all those good qualities so 
highly prized among his class. 

As soon as the lifeboat could be steered it was 
headed for the swimmer. Once or twice it became 
necessary to suddenly alter their course, in order 
to avoid being swept crosswise by a billow that 
washed completely over the wreck ; and it was piti- 
ful to hear the cries of the poor wife at such times. 

But if it took an hour Captain Lon would persist 
in his endeavor to lay hold of that seaman. In the 
end he succeeded in bringing the lifeboat within 
reach of the other; and assisted by several ready 
hands, the captain of the bark was brought over the 
side, to be caught in the arms of his devoted wife. 

As seen by the white glare of the lightning flashes 
that came at frequent intervals, that was a picture 
of the sea Bob would never forget. It painted some 
of the perils that accompany those who sail the 
broad ocean; and at the same time proved to be a 
splendid example of what the life-savers stand ready 
to do for the fellows who find themselves at the 
mercy of the storm. 

It afterwards developed that two seamen had been 
swept overboard before the life-saving crew arrived 
on the scene. Later on their bodies were found, 
washed up many miles away from the spot, so 


i68 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

strangely do the ocean currents play tricks with 
whatever comes within their grasp. 

The bark had been known as the Glendora, com- 
manded by Captain Nathan Cross. Her cargo con- 
sisted for the most part of miscellaneous goods, and 
her last port had been Hamburg, though at the time 
of the wreck she was bound for New Orleans. 

Of course all would now be lost, and while ample 
provision may have been made for such a happening 
in so far as vessel and cargo could be insured, still 
it is always a serious thing for a skipper to lose his 
ship, and doubtless Captain Cross would mourn for 
the luckless Glendora full many a year. 

Now that all had been successfully taken from 
the stranded bark, the next thing on the program 
was to get them safely ashore. This is not always 
as easy as one might imagine; and many a time 
have those in an overcrowded lifeboat been thrown 
out while trying to make a landing through the surf, 
with not a few fatalities recorded as accompanying 
such after claps in the way of accidents. 

Captain Lon was not only a daring commander, 
but also an exceedingly cautious one. He did not 
mean to ruin a good night’s work by being over- 
zealous about getting his passengers to land. 

First of all he must make his way down the shore 
again, keeping well off land so as to run no unnec- 
essary chances of grounding. Those members of 


Safe in Port 


169 

his crew who had been left behind, assisted by the 
men who had come over from the mainland, were 
expected to have a roaring fire started, which would 
serve as a guide when the returning life-savers 
hovered just beyond the curling surf, ready to make 
the swift dash for the shore when their skipper de- 
cided the critical moment had arrived. 

This fire was plainly visible, even though they 
were then something like two miles away from it, 
and at times the play of the storm shut out their 
view. 

Once again did the sturdy men of the lifeboat 
get ready to make use of their ashen blades, in case 
anything went wrong with the machinery of the 
craft while in the act of passing through or over the 
surf. 

Now they had reached the position which was just 
opposite the station, and here the men knew what 
depth of water they could expect, from a fathom 
upwards. 

That trained eye of the captain was watching for 
their chance, and nothing would tempt him to start 
until he was sure the proper time had arrived; for 
he had shut off the power, and the boat was being 
held only by the array of oars which bristled along 
either side. 

Up and down they rose and fell as the billows 
swept along, to break just beyond, and go spinning 


1 70 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

and roaring toward the sandy beach, upon which 
they fell with a dull roar. 

Now — give way ! ” suddenly roared the captain, 
as he saw the right opening; and like a machine 
six oars took hold, sending the lifeboat whirling 
toward the shore on the summit of the largest bil- 
low that they had yet seen. 

It was like a ride on an avalanche to Bob, so ex- 
hilarating, so absorbing, that he felt as though he 
could hardly breathe while they shot steadily onward 
toward the beach. 

‘‘ Faster, men ! roared Captain Lon, as he 
noticed that they were not holding their own with 
the onrushing wave as well as they might; and at 
that their backs were bent more sturdily than ever, 
so that which had been lost was regained, and they 
went in gloriously. 

Almost before the heavy lifeboat had touched the 
sand, some of the crew were overboard ; and among 
them agile Bob, seizing hold along the sides, so as 
to prevent the retiring wave from carrying their 
property back with it into the maw of the ever- 
hungry sea. 

After that it was easy enough, for succeeding 
waves failed to reach the high mark set by the one 
selected as his courser by Captain Lon. Besides, 
others were on hand ready and willing to give as- 
sistance, so that the boat was speedily drawn further 
up on the beach, to where it could later be taken 


Safe in Port 


171 

into its shelter by means of the handy wheels, and 
the tramway intended for their traveling. 

In at last ! ” 

** It was a hard rescue, boys ! ” 

Fm glad I was one of the party,” said Bob, his 
eyes flashing. 

“ Thank God for saving my husband and myself, 
and the others,” murmured the captain’s wife. 

There were shouts and cheers in plenty ; for they 
knew that another triumph had been added that 
night to the long list of glorious rescues engineered 
by capable Captain Lon and his hardy surfmen of 
Wyamoke Station. 

When the wreckers learned the nature of the mis- 
cellaneous cargo contained in the ill-fated bark 
Glendora, they waited impatiently for day to break, 
in order that they might be first on the ground, seek- 
ing favorite nooks where eddies always drifted 
these argosies of the stormy seas, and all manner of 
valuable stuff could be gathered in by willing 
workers. 

This is a part of the results of a wreck on the 
coast that the crew of a life-saving station are de- 
barred from taking any share in; the Government 
will not permit them to act as wreckers, at least with 
any idea of selfish gain. 

These men who so dauntlessly take their lives in 
their hands in order to save wrecked sailors are 
looked to by the general public in the localities of 


172 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the various stations for assistance in overcoming 
difficulties, and meeting divers situations that would 
ordinarily fall upon the local authorities, or private 
interests. 

Sometimes it is a fire that threatens the com- 
munity, and the crew gallantly respond to fight it to 
a finish. They have found straying children, as 
well as restored to the owners lost property, though 
allowed to take no reward for such services. And 
in not a few instances on record they have been 
compelled to assume the duties of police, in ap- 
prehending thieves, or assisting to round up smug- 
glers who have come secretly in upon the coast 
nearby, with their illicit cargoes of contraband 
goods. 

Their entire willingness to be of assistance to 
the people among whom they or their families 
dwell, has always been the means of making the 
life-saving crews highly respected; and so it hap- 
pens that in case of a member of the crew being 
unable to attend to his work in a case of necessity, 
plenty of willing recruits are to be had for the ask- 
ing among the young fishermen of the vicinity, 
who are under obligations to the captain of the 
station, for many favors received. 

The rescued people were taken into the shelter, 
and given warm clothes, or else allowed to dry 
themselves before a big fire. Then hot coffee was 
served out to them by the members of the first 


Safe in Port 


173 


watch; while those who had as yet not taken their 
trick along the shore set out to cover the ground 
again; for records of two and even three wrecks in 
succession on the same night were not uncommon 
in that dangerous section of the coast — and dawn 
was still some hours away. 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE BEACH COMBERS 

All the following day the storm continued to 
rage, and Captain Lon made sure to keep a con- 
stant lookout for signs of other vessels in distress. 
Fortunately, however, the wreck of the Glendora 
turned out to be the only incident of the kind along 
that strip of coast. 

Reports that came to them later told of serious 
times in other sections of the patrolled territory 
from Femandina in Florida all the way up to the 
Delaware breakwater ; for fully a dozen vessels were 
driven on the sands, or lost in the breakers along the 
Atlantic seaboard before that first West India storm 
of the season had exhausted its violence. 

On the second day the life-savers were pretty 
well tired out from their continuous labors. They 
welcomed the coming of the sun, because that would 
mean a day of rest for all of them, of which they 
were greatly in need. 

But if the men of the coast-guard were ready 
to take things easy at this time, after the storm had 
174 


The Beach Combers 175 

passed away up toward Halifax, there were those 
who expected to put in a strenuous day’s work. 

These were the people from the mainland, the 
wreckers, or “ beach combers ” as the captain called 
them. News had gone forth that the wreck had 
been laden with a miscellaneous cargo, which would 
of course be found strewn all along the outer 
beach, as the sea currents carried the various things 
ashore. 

Consequently every man and boy, yes, and a few 
sturdy women as well, who could leave home and 
get across the sound by any possible means, seemed 
to be on hand, to wander up and down the beach, 
waiting for new prizes to appear as the tide changed 
from ebb to flood. 

Bob, having secured a few hours of sleep, was 
once more abroad. These sights were all so new 
to the boy that he felt he could not afford to miss 
any of them. Besides, he meant to write a long 
letter home to his mother later in the day, describ- 
ing all that he had passed through, and would like 
to have other things of interest to tell her besides 
his share in the saving of the sailors belonging to the 
Glendora. 

He had not the slightest doubt in the world 
but that already the folks at home had read about 
the wreck of the bark close to Wyamoke Station. 
They were apt to closely scan the papers every day 
to glean any news that might filter through their 


176 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

columns concerning that particular district. Indeed, 
Bob knew for a fact that one of the very first things 
his father had done when it was decided he should 
enlist in Uncle Sam’s service, was to subscribe for a 
prominent New York newspaper which made a 
specialty of all maritime news. 

And having read how the crew at Wyamoke so 
gallantly rescued those who were in peril of their 
lives from the raging seas, Bob felt full sure that 
they must be anxiously awaiting some news directly 
from the member of the Spencer family who was 
now connected with that station, second only to 
Hatteras in point of importance. 

Of course during that afternoon, while carrying 
out his little plans, it was only natural that the 
boy’s thoughts should go out more or less to the 
home circle. He pictured them reading the long 
letter he meant to write very soon now, describing 
his first actual experience as a member of the coast- 
guard and life-saving crew at Wyamoke Station. 
Yes, he could once again see their well-loved faces, 
and chief above all the rest came the never-to-be- 
forgotten one of his mother. 

That of course brought to his mind the subject 
of the lost watch, and he tried to comfort himself 
with the hope that Dave must by this time have 
found it ; for on the day after his arrival. Bob had 
written to his brother, as he determined while on 
the train, explaining just how he came to lose the 


The Beach Combers 


177 


treasured time-piece, where it was likely to be dis- 
covered in the long grass alongside the road at the 
place shaded by the elm with the wide-spreading 
branches, and even going so far as to describe just 
where he had secreted the garden rake, so that Dave 
might make use of that implement if necessary. 

At any day now Bob might expect to have a letter 
from Dave, telling him that he had carried out the 
instructions, and found the time-piece, which was 
once more in the possession of the owner. 

He had had already one letter from his mother, 
as well as a newsy communication from his brother 
Fred; yet neither of them so much as even men- 
tioned the lost watch. Perhaps his mother be- 
lieved that he had carried it away with him, 
unthinkingly, and in the generosity of her heart 
purposely refrained from mentioning it. Bob 
fairly writhed as he allowed this idea to take posses- 
sion of his mind. 

But there was only one thing he could do, ap- 
parently, if Dave failed to find the lost watch, and 
this was to write to his mother, confessing the 
truth. Then, after he had been paid his first wages, 
which would be in a month, he hoped, in a letter 
to Frank, to entrust this money with his desire to 
have the other in some way manage to duplicate the 
lost watch. 

Bob clung to this idea whenever memory caused 
him to think of the misfortune that had come to 


178 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

him on that night of the barn dance. It gave him 
a certain amount of comfort too; for the boy was 
very sincere in his desire to make all the amends 
possible. Still, he thought it a little queer that his 
mother did not even mention a word about it in her 
letter. Perhaps she would later on, when this 
might give him the desired opening to confess to 
the sad truth. 

Then, while his thoughts were taking a backward 
turn, of course he remembered the old sailor, Cap- 
tain Osgood, and the little adventure that had 
brought them together. He was expecting to re- 
ceive a letter from the genial old seaman any day 
now, when he meant to answer promptly^ thanking 
him heartily for what he had done in writing to the 
Washington people. 

As Bob had a little spare time to himself he took 
his camera, a present from his uncle, and went out 
on the beach to get some pictures of the wreckers 
at work. They were busy salving the cargo that 
was washing ashore from the broken-up vessel. 

Now it would be some heavy timber from the 
destroyed craft that would be washed up, and all 
efforts were directed to getting this out of the way, 
so that no one would be injured by being pounded 
with it. 

Again some box or barrel would roll up with the 
waves, and then there would be a scramble to see 
who of the wreckers would get this choice piece of 


The Beach Combers 


179 

cargo. Often there was almost a fight, which was 
stopped only when more refuse washed in. 

On the beach Bob was joined later by the captain, 
who must have been watching what the lad was 
doing with more or less interest, as his first remark 
proved. 

Taking some pictures of our busy workers, are 
you. Bob? Well, they’re reaping a harvest this day 
such as they ain’t run across for some years, I 
reckon. And the piles of stuff along the shore will 
keep many a family in comfort this coming winter. 
The old Glendora was the biggest bonanza that could 
have happened to a heap of these natives. Only for 
her coming some of the same would have gone 
hungr}^ I’m thinking; because it’s been a poor season 
for fishin’, and the oysters don’t show up as they 
ought to. I’m told.” 

“ Yes, I thought such a chance to get a lot of 
views might never come along again,” Bob ex- 
plained ; and I’m sure my people at home, so far 
away from the ocean, will be glad to see them. I 
want to get a group of all my mates, with you in 
the middle. Captain; that is, if you don’t mind 
posing for me.” 

“ Any time you see the chance, just let us know,” 
replied Captain Lon, with a good-natured smile; 

I’ll let you snap off the drill with the boats, and 
any other pictures you want that’ll show the folks 
what life-saving on the coast is like. And as for 


i8o Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the boys, sure they’ll be only too glad to have their 
pictures took. If they turn out real good we’ll all 
want a copy, and pay hard cash for it too, lad, re- 
member that. But how d’ye like your new mates ? ” 

“ I don’t think I could have struck a finer lot of 
surfmen along the whole coast ! ” declared Bob, 
with considerable enthusiasm. ‘‘ And it’s owing a 
good deal to the way they’ve been handled. Thad 
Wappinger is as true as steel; Ezra Carpenter I 
know would go through fire and water for you; 
Don Squeers is the most powerful man with the 
oars that I ever knew; Charlie Coon is your right 
bower, and could fill your shoes if you were taken 
sick, better than any other member of the crew; 
while the others, Asa Barnes, Ben Whitlatch and 
Chip Bannister are diamonds in the rough, as my 
mother would say; which means that if they lack 
polish, they are hard workers, and can be depended 
on every time.” 

‘‘ That’s as neat a compliment as I ever had paid 
me, lad,” declared the captain of the Wyamoke life- 
saving crew. ‘‘ I reckon there ain’t going to be any 
trouble about you and the rest of the men getting 
on fine. They think just as much of you in the 
bargain; and we’re all better off on ’count of your 
coming; because, you see you’ve been brought up 
different from the rest of us, and can teach us lots 
of things we ain’t used to. This same strip of coast 
ain’t much in the line of educating a man, you will 


The Beach Combers i8i 

admit, Bob. It^s a kind of life that’s bounded by 
five miles every way, all the year for me, and from 
the first of August till the end of May for the rest 
of the crew. The most pleasure we get is our 
reading. That’s why we take papers, and some 
of the magazines, to help kill the time.” 

But whenever a storm comes along you don’t 
have to complain of any laziness, I take it,” laughed 
Bob, as he looked around to see if there was any 
other picture he might snap off, before carrying his 
little camera into the shelter house, as the afternoon 
was now getting along, and he must really be about 
his letter writing, if he wanted to send it off with 
the one who was going to take the captain’s official 
report over to the little post-office at Wyamoke, 
bringing back the mail for the station. 

“ Well, hardly,” replied the captain, ‘‘ as you 
know yourself from experience after night before 
last. But so the life of a coast-guard goes along; 
one time he’s wishing for something to happen to 
wake him up ; and a little later he’s so badly worked 
that he could sleep standing. We take the fat with 
the lean, and count it all in a lifetime. Men have 
to be that way when they enlist in this business. 
And lad, in time I reckon you’ll get the better of 
that nervous way you have of wanting to do every- 
thing in three winks. This will be a splendid 
school for you, just as your uncle said.” 

Bob did not choose to enlighten the captain on 


182 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

that point, and admit that it was along entirely dif- 
ferent lines that his uncle was speaking when he 
said that. For there must have flashed before the 
boy’s memory numerous scrapes in which he had 
been concerned while in the home town of Clayton. 
For Bob surely believed he had turned over a new 
leaf, and that never again was he going to be guilty 
of such boyish pranks, as would be unbecoming to 
one who was enlisted in the service of Uncle Sam. 

And so far as I have gone it seems to be just 
what my heart has always been set on,” the boy 
continued, with a sigh as of contentment. “ Ever 
since I can remember. Captain Lon, it seems to me 
that the things that inspired me most of all were 
stories of brave men who went about trying to save 
others from trouble. I read all about the fire- 
fighters of the big cities, and at first thought I 
would like to follow that profession when I got 
older; but my love for the water caused me to 
change my mind; and then it was the work of the 
life-savers along the coast that I began to dream 
about. And sometimes I can hardly believe that 
those dreams have come true. Why, every tirpe I 
wake up in the night I have to pinch myself, for I 
seem to think it’s all unreal, and that my brothers 
must be sleeping close beside me.” 

‘"Well, I certain sure hope, lad,” remarked the 
captain, as he arose to go away, you’ll keep on 
liking the life, because we’d all hate to lose you 


The Beach Combers 183 

now. You’ve only been with us a few days, but as 
Asa Barnes was saying this morning, seems like 
we’d known you a long time.” 

Bob flushed with pleasure. It was something 
new in his experience to discover that he had made 
so fine an impression on a group of hard workers 
such as these life-savers were. 

‘‘There’s a man I’d like to take a picture of, 
Captain Shanley,” he remarked, to cover his con- 
fusion. “ He’s got a face as dark as a Spaniard, 
and one that I’m sure contains a heap of character, 
though of the wrong sort, because I don’t like his 
sly smile, or the way he shrugs his shoulders while 
he talks with some of the wreckers. He hasn’t 
seemed to pick up a single thing, but just saunters 
along the beach, smoking a cigarette like a lord, 
looking out to sea now and then, and stopping to 
chat with some of the men. I wonder now, if I 
could watch my chance and get a snapshot of his 
face without him getting mad ? ” 

“Who’s that. Bob?” queried the captain, as he 
delayed his departure, and turned to observe which 
way the boy nodded ; “ oh ! I see, you mean that slim 
man who seems so much better dressed than the ma- 
jority of the wreckers. To tell you the truth he’s 
something of a mystery to the rest of us. Every 
once in a while he bobs up at Wyamoke, and al- 
ways comes over here to the beach, to walk for 
miles up and down, forever looking out yonder as 


:i 84 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

if he expected to see a sail. Some of the boys, 
among themselves of course, for they wouldn’t be 
likely to say it to his face for fear of making him 
angry, because he has a bad look about him, call 
him Robinson Crusoe looking for a sail to come to 
his rescue. But his real name is Jose Lopez, and I 
reckon he’s a Cuban.” 

Bob felt a queer sensation pass over him as he 
heard Captain Lon mention that name. Once again 
he was with his Uncle Dave, and listening to him 
tell of the doings of bold smugglers, among whom 
he had surely mentioned a Cuban named Jose 
Lopez. 

And that there could be no mistake — that this 
was the same Lopez of whom he had heard his 
uncle speak — Bob was sure. For, as the dark- fea- 
tured man turned, and gave the boy a chance for a 
good look at him, our hero caught a peculiar gleam 
from one of the man’s eyes as the sun struck on it. 

“ That’s a glass eye — sure 1 ” whispered Bob to 
himself. 

Then, if further proof were needed, at that mo- 
ment one of the wreckers secured a large case of 
>vhat seemed to be a valuable bit of cargo. 

‘‘Bravo! Bravo!” cried the man called Lopez, 
and in his excitement he began pulling on his fin- 
ger knuckles — snapping them like castanets. Bob 
watched him eagerly. 


CHAPTER XX 


THE SMOKE ON THE HORIZON 

“ So that is Jose Lopez; is it?” said Bob, taking 
another good look at the dark- faced man who was 
paying no attention to them, as he stood nearby, 
talking with one of the beach combers, and now and 
then casting one of his anxious glances far out 
toward the level horizon to the east, where the sea 
lay low against the sky. . 

Captain Lon glanced quickly at his youthful com- 
panion. 

“ Seems like some of the men must have been 
tellin’ you about him then, eh, lad?” he remarked. 

“ No, I heard his name while I was in Washing- 
ton,” replied Bob, at the same time deciding that 
it was perfectly safe to take the other fully into 
his confidence with regard to all his uncle had said. 

“ You don’t tell me ! ” exclaimed the captain of 
the life-saving crew. Well, now, I kind of think 
that’s queer you should hear about Lopez before 
you came here. Is he a friend of that uncle of 
yours, son? ” 

Bob chuckled at that, as he went on to say : 

185 


i86 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

‘‘ Well, they hardly speak as they pass by, I 
reckon, sir. Fact is, if I stepped out right now, 
and introduced myself to Senor Lopez as a nephew 
of the David Spencer connected with the Lfnited 
States Secret Service, chances are he’d give me one 
look, and then say good afternoon.” 

This rather mystified the chief of the coast-guards, 
for he looked toward the dark- faced man and then 
at Bob, after which he said : 

Now you’ve sure got me guessin’. Bob. Judg- 
ing from what you say, they ain’t much of friends, 
that’s dead certain. Fact is, sounds like they might 
be rather like enemies. Is that what you mean to 
tell me. Bob?” 

Bob nodded his head in the affirmative. 

My uncle has made a lot of enemies in his 
time,' because his business is to run down all sorts 
of men who are engaged in defrauding the Govern- 
ment. Some do it in making moonshine whiskey, 
for which they don’t mean to pay the revenue tax. 
Others manufacture counterfeit money, you know; 
and they are the worst of the lot, because innocent 
people suffer through their work. But there’s an- 
other pack that have to be watched and caught 
whenever they make a slip. They call them smug- 
glers!” 

Captain Lon wagged his head, to show he un- 
derstood. Plainly he was deeply interested in all 
that Bob said. 


The Smoke on the Horizon 187 

“ Yes, weVe heard some little talk about them 
along this same strip of coast, and how they like to 
land after night somewhere, with a cargo of Havana 
cigars, or silk or opium, that ought to be paying a 
great big revenue to the people up at Washington, 
in the way of duty. But then we never bothered 
our heads much about the same, ’cause we didn’t 
allow we’d ever run across any of the critters. 
Smugglers, hey? And say, do you mean to tell 
me. Bob, that Jose Lopez might be one o’ that 
crowd ? ” 

He glanced toward the Cuban with increased re- 
spect. As a seeming lounger who had no particular 
business, the man may have possessed a certain 
amount of interest in the eyes of Captain Lon; but 
in the guise of a bold smuggler he assumed a new 
aspect entirely. 

** Yes, and connected with the king pin of the lot, 
my uncle said,” Bob went on, in a lowered voice; 
for the object of their conversation had just looked 
their way by accident, and the boy did not wish 
to take the slightest chance of his words being over- 
heard. 

“ Who might that be?” continued Captain Lon. 

“ Another Cuban, or a Spaniard, known as Black 
Carlos, because he is so dark- featured. Does it 
strike you as if you’d heard of him. Captain Lon? 

“Yes, I’ve caught the name somewhere, or else 
read about his doings,” replied the other. “ But 


1 88 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

sakes alive, son, I never did dream I’d set eyes on 
a genuine smuggler in my day. Wreckers are bad 
enough; and we’ve had trouble in times gone by 
with some hard cases who’d even set a false light 
on the shore just to lure a vessel on the shoals in 
stormy weather; but them days are long gone by. 
Smuggler, is he? Well, what would he want 
around here, d’ye think. Bob ? ” 

Somehow it seemed as though the captain of the 
station depended considerably on his new recruit to 
solve the puzzle. Perhaps he remembered that Bob 
had an uncle in the Secret Service, who was used to 
unraveling knotty problems ; and it seemed as 
though a Spencer ought to be equal to anything. 

Of course it rather pleased the young fellow to 
see how the captain looked to him in this little emer- 
gency. And he was just as ready to use his best 
endeavors in helping the other out, as he would be 
to jump overboard and assist anyone who was 
threatened with drowning. 

I should think there might be only one thing 
that would bring a chap of his calling to the beach,” 
Bob went on to observe, meaningly. 

The captain whistled softly under his breath. 
His eyes were kindling with increasing excitement. 
Here was a positively new element entering into "his 
life, which may have been stormy enough along 
other lines, yet in the past always confined to cer- 
tain elements of danger after all. 


The Smoke on the Horizon 189 

‘‘ Landing of tobacco, I reckon you mean, lad ? 
he breathed, softly. 

‘‘ Yes, looking to defrauding the Government out 
of the revenue ; for you know there is a pretty high 
duty on imported cigars. If a good-sized cargo can 
be safely brought ashore, so as to slip past the rev- 
enue officers, it might mean thousands of dollars in 
the pockets of the smugglers.” 

Right you are, son,” muttered Captain Lon. 
“ And from what I’ve read and heard about these 
same smugglers, they are apt to be a pretty daring 
set, all around.” 

‘‘ My uncle has told me lots of yarns about his 
adventures with them,” Bob admitted, and some 
of them made me have a fine old thrill. Yes, and if 
looks count for anything I should say right now 
that your friend Lopez over there would give the 
officers a heap of trouble, if he found himself in 
danger of being caught in a trap.” 

“ Well, now, seems to me that’s true as preachin’, 
lad,” remarked the life-saver, nodding his head as 
though he agreed perfectly with the opinion Bob 
expressed. “ And as you say, he keeps lookin’ out 
to sea every little while, just like he expected to see 
some sort of a signal away over yonder. D’ye 
think he’s calculatin’ on usin’ our beach right here to 
land a cargo on? ” 

The very idea must have struck Captain Lon as 


190 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

a stupendous one, for his voice fairly quivered with 
eagerness as he made this remark. 

I shouldn’t be surprised if that was what he 
had in his mind,” Bob replied. “ He isn’t the one 
to come over here just to watch the beach-combers 
gather up their stuff. He’s seen plenty of that in 
his day, and there, he’s shading his eyes with his 
hand to take another look away out there.” 

‘‘ That’s right, and it isn’t the white gull flyin’ 
along yonder that interests Lopez, either, lad. 
P’raps now he’s lookin’ for signs of smoke on the 
horizon. P’raps he’s worried some for fear his 
smugglin’ craft may have gone down in that 
tropical storm we had, though off to sea it couldn’t 
have been so very bad, where they run no danger 
of breakers or sand shoals.” 

‘‘ Uncle Dave told me that they always choose a 
dark night to run their cargoes ashore,” Bob went 
on to say. 

“ Then this here night would be just the thing for 
it,” added the other; ‘‘ for it’s going to be as black 
as a pocket, I reckon, though clear enough, with 
stars above to show the way, and the little waves 
rollin’ up on the beach to tell you where to walk. 
Do you really reckon. Bob, that this here Lopez is 
expectin’ a visit from some of his Cuban friends 
to-night? ” 

“ Looks that way to me,” answered the boy, 
confidently, as in imagination he pictured himself 


The Smoke on the Horizon 191 

taking part in a foray which might result in the 
capture red-handed of the notorious smuggler, Black 
Carlos, himself, as well as his right-hand helper, 
Jose Lopez. 

If the idea gave him a decided thrill, who could 
blame the boy? His soul was fashioned along the 
adventurous order, where such things really ap- 
pealed to him; and he must have come by this love 
for excitement honestly, because they said the 
Spencers were always a bold lot, ready to take 
service wherever they could find things moving 
lively. 

Captain Lon drew in a long breath. Somehow 
that simple little action seemed to tell Bob the other 
had seen his duty, and meant to perform the same, 
no matter at what cost. 

‘‘ Lm in the service of the United States Govern- 
ment,” began the head of the coast-guard patrol, as 
though reasoning with himself concerning what 
might be expected of him in circumstances like this ; 
‘‘ and my duty is to stand by my employer, no matter 
what comes along. If so be these smugglers think 
they can make use of my beach as a harbor for 
landin’ their stuff, and not be disturbed, they’ve got 
another guess a-comin’ to ’em, that’s what.” 

‘‘ Then you’ll try to stop the game ; is that what 
you mean. Captain Lon? ” inquired Bob, eagerly. 

‘‘ Sure I will, lad ; and you may be one of the 
crowd if you like, just because it was through you 


192 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

I caught on to the ugly business. Now, I wouldn’t 
wonder if this same smart Lopez has been and 
landed more’n a few cargoes right under our noses 
here, and none of us a whit the wiser. Why, we 
never dreamed about such a thing as him being a 
smuggler; and we knew right well he didn’t have 
the cut of a wrecker. Now that you’ve put me 
wise to his make-up I can see lots of things clearer. 
And that tells me what he was over here for so 
often, months ago, when I used to stay alone, keepin’ 
charge of the station in the slack season. Seems 
like he must think we’re a blind lot around this 
here section, and so he’s gettin’ bolder.” 

“ Look out yonder, and tell me if that isn’t a 
smudge of black smoke just rising over the horizon, 
Captain Lon ! ” broke in the boy, somewhat ex- 
citedly. 

The experienced coast-guard turned his eyes in 
the direction indicated by his companion. He had a 
vision that was as keen as that of a hawk ; and being 
accustomed to scanning long distances was instantly 
in a ppsition to agree with what Bob had said. 

‘‘Just what she is, lad. There’s some sort of 
steam craft out there right now ; and seems like they 
might have made that extry black smoke as a sig- 
nal. Wait till Lopez takes another squint out that- 
aways, and see if he acts like it tickled him. Then 
we’ll have something to go by.” 

So they waited and watched. The Cuban was 


The Smoke on the Horizon 193 

sauntering slowly along ahead of them, stopping 
now and then to speak with any of the beach- 
combers who might be carrying their spoils across 
the stretch of sand to the border of the sound. Here 
they had means for ferrying the same across to the 
mainland, in the shape of all manner of native sail- 
boats, peculiar in rig to the region, as is always the 
case down along the Atlantic coast. 

Presently the two who were keeping just a cer- 
tain distance behind Lopez saw him once again turn 
eagerly toward the wide sea, and take another look 
that way. 

Bob held his breath with suspense. He felt that 
in another minute the suggestive actions of the man 
would either allay their suspicions or else confirm 
them. And he was right about that. 

Lopez was seen to start, and take a second quick 
look ; then as he turned away a satisfied smile spread 
all over his swarthy face. Plainly he had discovered 
the smoke smudge hovering just above the sea level 
far out, and it had given him a feeling bordering on 
triumph. 

“ You see,’' remarked Captain Lon, in a low but 
tense voice ; “ we hit the target in the bull’s-eye that 
time, son; because that same smoke means a whole 
lot to Senor Lopez right now. And I reckon our 
work’s cut out for us this same night, my lad.” 


CHAPTER XXI 


ON THE TRACK OF THE SMUGGLER 

“ Coast-guards have to do all sorts of queer 
things at times; OonT they, Captain Lon?’^ Bob 
remarked, a little later, as they made their way back 
toward the station ; for it was the announced policy 
of the keeper to partake of an early supper, so as to 
be in position to follow the Cuban who was under 
the ban of suspicion, should he start to walk far up 
or down the beach. 

“ Well, it does seem that way, son,” replied the 
other, with a chuckle. ‘'If Pd take the trouble to 
tell ye the many different things the people around 
here look to Uncle Sam’s employees for, it’d make 
ye smile. I’ve fit fires, gone out on the ic^ of the 
sound during a bitter winter season, to find a lad thar 
was lost, and in danger of being drowned, if so be he 
fell into a hole, searched for lost bosses and cows, 
revived men that had been in the water nigh long 
enough to ’a’ gone across to the other world, played 
doctor, when the regular physic-giver was out of 
town; recovered bodies, helped to bury the same, 
194 


On the Track of the Smuggler 195 

kept a wounded hunter from Weedin’ to death — and 
so it goes. And I reckons as how we’re even ex- 
pected to surprise smugglers, and try to capture 
the same, if so be they try to ply their trade near 
by our station.” 

Well, it’s a great thing to be a coast-guard, and 
a life-saver,” declared Bob; at which the other sur- 
veyed him with kindly eyes. 

‘‘Them words do ye a heap of credit, lad; be- 
cause in my humble opinion there ain’t no life equal 
to it. Why, I wouldn’t change my lot with the 
President of these here United States, even if I 
was able to do his business, which of course I ain’t. 
We got our app’inted place to fill in the world; and 
all that’s expected of us is to see our duty, and do 
it” 

“ How many men will you take with you, if we 
go out smuggler hunting to-night ? ” the boy pres- 
ently asked. 

“ Well, I reckon that three besides us ought to be 
enough,” was the reply, after a brief period of re- 
flection. “ Course I had ought to tell the whole lot 
what we’re meaning to do, and I’ll put Charles Coon 
in charge of the station while I’m off on this side 
hunt. He knows how to run things, because some 
day he ’spects to have charge here, when my time’s 
up; or I’m took, as lots of life-savers are, by one of 
the storms we keep on flightin’ year in and year 
out.” 


196 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Accustomed to looking this possibility in the face, 
Captain Lon’s voice did not even quiver in the least 
as he thus remarked about his possible fate. 

“ Senor Lopez seems to always keep above the 
station, you notice, sir,” continued Bob ; and from 
that I rather think he means to hike off in that di- 
rection later on, when it begins to get dark, and he 
believes nobody’ll be watching him.” 

‘‘Just as I was thinkin’, lad; just as I was sayin’ 
to myself. And so I’ll make it that you, Ezra Car- 
penter, Asa Barnes and Thad Wappinger start out 
to patrol on the first watch. We’ll keep along with 
’em, and in that way can cover the senor, if so be he 
makes up the shore.” 

The prospect pleased Bob immensely. It smacked 
of adventure in the end, and that was what he loved. 
If only they could make a haul of these daring 
smugglers who had so long been snapping their 
fingers at such Government agents as his own uncle, 
what a feather that would be in his cap; and how 
pleased the folks at home would be when they heard 
about it ! 

The life-savers were gathering now with the 
prospect of getting their evening meal. The position 
of cook was filled by turns, so that all of them had 
their share of the work; though of course some 
were favorites, on account of being able to get up 
meals that appealed to the appetites of the hearty 
eaters more than others whose education along those 


On the Track of the Smuggler 197 

lines had been neglected; or who had no natural 
aptitude for the task. 

Captain Lon beckoned to such as were furthest 
away, and who came, wondering greatly what might 
be in the wind; for the serious look on the face of 
the keeper impressed them as significant. 

Their astonishment was great when they heard 
what he had to relate concerning the dark- featured 
Cuban whom they had known for a year or more 
now, and yet whose occasional visits to the beach 
they had somehow looked upon as mere excursions 
along the line of curiosity, on the part of one who 
had enough of this world's goods to be able to take 
life easy. 

Smugglers they had often heard of in some sort 
of remote way; but up to now none of them had 
ever found a chance to say he had come in con- 
tact with the bold breed of revenue evaders. 

‘‘ Who's agoin' tuh have a hand in the leetle game 
with yuh, Cap'n?" asked Thad, eagerly, the first 
thing after the station keeper had in his terse fash- 
ion imparted the information already known to the 
reader. 

Well, that's been already arranged in my mind," 
replied Captain Lon, knowing that he was going to 
disappoint a number of his followers. It just 
happens that them that have the first watch are 
Bob here, Ezra, Thad and Asa, so I'll take that many 
along, and the pair that find their shift on the South 


198 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

beach will start out as usual. That’s the best I c’n 
do, boys.” 

When the three who had been selected to ac- 
company Captain Lon and Bob learned in this way 
of their good fortune, their weather-beaten faces 
expanded in broad smiles, that told how much sin- 
cere pleasure the fact gave them. 

Supper was hurried along much faster than usual. 
In fact it seemed as though on this particular oc- 
casion there was to be no lack of cooks, for every 
one of the trio selected to go upon the little hunt up 
the beach appeared only too willing to aid the mem- 
ber of the crew whose duty it chanced to be to pre- 
pare meals on this day. They even got in each 
other’s way, and the keeper had to draw the line by 
recalling Thad and Asa, leaving Ezra, who was by 
long odds the best cook of all, to render what aid he 
could. 

And all the while one man was kept outdoors, 
w’ith orders to have a watchful eye on the Cuban, 
and notify the captain should he show any signs of 
making off, no matter in what direction. 

Of course there would be a great disapointment 
if he appeared to accompany any of the beach 
combers over to the shore of the sound, as though 
intending to return with them to the mainland. But 
even> should this occur. Captain Lon did not be- 
lieve that his suspicions were to be without some 


On the Track of the Smuggler 199 

basis ; since it would be easy for the slippery smug- 
gler to say he had forgotten something, and start 
back as if to return to the beach, only to vanish 
in the scrub after he had gone part way across the 
strip of sandy waste on which the life-saving station 
stood. 

Anyway, we’ll get him if he tries anything 
crooked,” said Bob, “ and that’s something.” 

And it may prove a good deal, lad,” added the 
captain. 

Bob and the captain left the house together. The 
rest of the men had been warned that if they ap- 
peared they must not show the least interest in any- 
thing that was going on; and in particular not to 
notice Jose Lx)pez, should he still be lingering 
near. 

At first Bob began to fear they had already missed 
their man, for the Cuban did not seem to be in sight 
anywhere. 

Chip Bannister was walking up and down the 
beach a little distance away, and as he had been the 
one sent out by Captain Lon to keep track of the 
suspect, they sauntered in his direction. 

Without doing anything to arouse suspicion they 
presently joined the other. 

Where is he at. Chip? ” asked the captain, im- 
mediately, his words voicing the fear that had com- 
menced to tug at Bob’s heart. 


200 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

It was beginning to get dusk, and already one 
could not see any great distance up the beach. 
Voices told where possibly the last of the wreckers 
were coming along, carrying their loads of plunder, 
and perhaps telling each other how they meant to 
return at peep of day, when a good fortune may have 
sent still other spoils ashore. 

He’s with that bunch over thar, Cap,” replied 
the rough surfman. “ Last I seen o’ him he war 
walkin’ up thataways. Mebbe so he reckons to keep 
company with ’em and go over in ther boat; and 
agin mebbe he don’t. We’ll soon know, ’cause they 
be startin’ acrost right now, ye see.” 

‘‘ Don’t seem to be looking too hard,” cautioned 
the keeper of the station ; for when a man is en- 
gaged in a business like smuggling, chances are he’ll 
be suspicious of every little thing. I’ll point out to 
sea, and the rest of ye act like you was lookin’ to 
notice what I was a-showin’ ye.” 

In this clever way did Captain Lon seek to dis- 
lodge any suspicion that might have caused the 
other to watch them as they stood there. 

Bob liked the game tremendously. He played his 
part well, and yet at the same time managed to cast 
frequent side glances toward the coming group of 
beach combers, reporting what he saw to his com- 
panions. 

‘‘ He isn’t with them. Captain Lon,” Bob went on 


On the Track of the Smuggler 201 

to say, in a low tone ; “ I can see the whole three 
men, and none of them is of the same build as Senor 
Lopez. There, I’ve sighted him now, and he’s walk- 
ing up the beach, bending over like he might be 
looking for something he’d lost. Perhaps that was 
what he told the wreckers when they asked him to 
go back with them. Perhaps he said he had a boat 
of his own over on the sound side, and would row 
across later, with the lights of the village to guide 
him.” 

Captain Lon gave vent to an exclamation, and 
then started to speak. 

Well, now, son, that’s an ijee of yours, sure it 
is! Queer how I never set myself to wonder- 
ing just how they might get the stuff across to the 
mainland, even if they was successful in dropping 
in to the beach here, and putting it all ashore. 
Course they must have a boat somewhere, and I 
reckon as how it might be a swift power-boat in the 
bargain; so if they was chased they could show a 
clean pair of heels to anything we had around these 
waters.” 

Hadn’t we better be making a move. Captain ? ” 
queried Bob, fearful lest they lose sight of the sus- 
pected man, and then find great difficulty in carry- 
ing out the plan they had arranged. 

“ Yes, go to the house, and tell the three I’ve 
selected to come along,” replied the keeper, turning 
to Chip Bannister. 


202 Bob spencer the Life Saver 

After the surf man had hastened away, Captain 
Lon went on to add : 

Course Lopez knows that we patrol a strip of 
beach more’n two miles to the No’th of here; so he 
won’t be apt to stop short of the end of the beat, 
which he must ’a’ marked many a time when he’s 
walked up that way. Chances are he’ll go several 
miles beyond that place; and already I’ve got in my 
mind a neat little cove where the water is deep 
enough for boats to land, and which would be just 
the place to suit him.” 

** I’m glad to hear that, sir,” remarked Bob, wish- 
ing the other three men would hurry, for the re- 
treating figure of Lopez could be just dimly seen 
as he kept on going further and further away. 

Hastening footsteps announced their coming ; and 
presently the three showed up. The glow in the 
West, where the sun had gone down, was fading 
away, and away out to sea the darkness had al- 
ready gathered, so that the beach was now shrouded 
in more or less gloom. 

Now,” said Captain Lon, who had undoubtedly 
already mapped out their course of proceeding, 

we’ll move back here where the scrub’ll help to 
shelter us, in case he turns his head every little 
while. And remember, men, not a sound must any 
one make, even a whisper, ’less I speak to him. We 
may have some ticklish business ahead of us this 
night, a right heap more dangerous nor takin’ folks 


On the Track of the Smuggler 203 

off a sinkin’ vessel, in the bargain. Put your best 
foot forward, and follow me ! ” with which words 
he started to move up the shore, in pursuit of the 
mysterious Lopez. 


CHAPTER XXII 


CAUGHT IN THE ACT 

When the three coast-guards had come out to 
join Captain Lon and Bob they had, acting on the 
orders of the keeper, brought with them a couple of 
shot-guns which belonged to members of the crew, 
and which proved useful during much of the winter 
season in securing ducks, geese and occasionally a 
cottontail rabbit, to eke out the bill of fare pro- 
vided by the Government. ' 

One of these weapons was handed to Bob, while 
Asa Barnes kept the second gun. Possibly the 
others may have had small arms about their persons ; 
Bob understood this to be a fact, for he had seen 
Captain Lon open a box, and put something that 
glistened like polished steel in one of the pockets of 
his pea-jacket which he had on at the time, because 
the night air would be cool. 

They were careful not to move along too fast, 
because they did not want to reduce the distance 
separating them from the Cuban, unless it must be 
done on account of increasing darkness. 

No doubt he would glance back frequently, de- 
204 


Caught in the Act 205 

sirous of knowing whether the patrol had started 
out, since it was about time for the regular exodus. 

In their eagerness the men several times tripped, 
making a little noise ; whereupon the keeper warned 
them to be more careful, and look closer where 
they were putting their feet. A stumble of this sort 
later on might play havoc with all their well-laid 
plans, since it must warn the supposed smuggler that 
he was being watched. 

Gradually decreasing the distance as the darkness 
came on apace, they managed to keep Lopez in 
sight, though it required keen vision to make sure of 
this ; and Bob was fain to admit that some of these 
men of the coast were able to see better than he 
could take credit for doing. 

Finally they had arrived at the place where the 
patrol was in the habit of halting for a spell, before 
covering the ground again back to the station. 

Still the shadowy figure flitted on ahead, and 
there could no longer be the least doubt about the 
nature of the mission that brought him so far along 
the North beach. When this was assured Bob 
breathed freer, because all the while he had been 
afraid it might after all turn out to be a false alarm, 
and that they would have their trouble for their 
pains. 

Before starting forth Bob had made sure to slip 
something into a pocket which he fancied might 
possibly come in handy. This was a little flash-light 


2 o 6 Bob Spencer the Ofe Saver 

electric torch which Dave had made him a present 
of before he left home. 

Still Lopez was moving up the beach. He cer- 
tainly meant business, if this long tramp stood for 
anything, Bob thought. People do not start out 
after dark, to navigate along a lonely beach for 
miles, unless they have some positive object in view. 

Several times the boy turned to gaze out to sea, 
wondering whether he might discover any sign 
there to tell that the mysterious steamer or tug, the 
black smoke of which they had seen before sundown, 
might be making for the shore. But all was dark- 
ness as far as he could see; and if such were the 
case those aboard must have been duly warned not 
to show even a single light. 

From what he had heard the captain say, it prom- 
ised to be an ideal night for such an enterprise as 
running a contraband cargo ashore. The surf was 
low, and in the particular place mentioned by Cap- 
tain Lon a boat could easily navigate to the cove, 
where a landing might be made. 

Evidently Lopez knew this, too ; had it been other- 
wise the chances were he would have found some 
means of communicating with those aboard the 
smuggler craft, to warn them that it would be best 
to keep off-shore until another night. 

About this time Bob became aware of the fact that 
he could catch occasional glimpses of some sort of 
light ahead. It came and went in a strange way that 


Caught in the Act 207 

puzzled him not a little at first. Then suddenly he 
chuckled as he guessed the truth, and that Lopez 
must possess the same sort of a little hand torch as 
reposed in his own pocket. 

Yes, Lopez apparently deemed it safe to make 
frequent use of this in order to see where he was 
about to set his foot, in continuing to advance. 

They had been going forward for such a length 
of time now that Bob felt sure they must be getting 
close to the little cove mentioned by the captain. 
Presently a few cautious words from the keeper 
announced this fact. Then they would soon know 
whether or not this was to be the identical spot 
selected by the supposed smugglers as their best 
landing place. 

** He's stopped ! ” the keeper was heard to mutter 
a few minutes later ; yes, and by hokey, it’s right 
there alongside my cove ! Reckon as how I hit the 
mark that time. We’ll creep a bit nearer, and just 
wait till somethin’ happens.” 

When the keeper fancied that they had drawn in 
as close as seemed advisable he called a halt by giv- 
ing a chirp, very like the sound of a cricket, which 
had been agreed on as a signal. 

There they crouched, and waited as patiently as 
they could, though doubtless each of the five must 
be burning with eagerness and anxiety all the while. 

‘‘ He’s signalling with his torch ! ” Bob told him- 
self, after a while, when he detected a number of 


2 o 8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

flashes that were apparently sent out in the direction 
of the open sea. 

That gave him an idea he might, if he watched 
closely, discover some answering ray out there in the 
gloomy night, beyond where the little wavelets 
lapped the shore. 

True enough, he had been looking only a few 
minutes when he did discover a sudden little flash 
that seemed to cut the gloom just as a miniature 
thread of lightning might. Only once it came, and 
then was seen no more; but that must have been 
sufficient for the watchful Lopez, since he no longer 
waved his light, but kept it steady, as though mean- 
ing it to be a guide to those intending to make their 
way to the land. 

Half an hour more crept by, when he heard a 
sound out on the water that was very familiar. 

Droppin’ anchor!” whispered Captain Lon in 
his ear, and this agreed exactly with what Bob had 
already decided. 

Again a long wait followed. The light which 
Lopez held would never be seen to the South ; he had 
undoubtedly taken care that it was fully screened 
by a rise in the ground, and the presence of some 
stunted beach bushes. Then again, the patrol would 
hardly be due at the end of their first beat by now ; 
and even if so, their attention was always directed 
out to the East where the ocean lay, rather than 
along the shore. 


209 


Caught in the Act 

Listening with bated breath, the coast-guards 
could presently catch the plain dip of oars, so 
familiar to their ears. A boat was evidently coming 
ashore, and heading to enter the very cove which 
Captain Lon had picked out as the scene of the 
smuggler’s operations, once he learned that they 
were active around his section. 

And now it was time for them to be creeping still 
closer, for they meant to be in a position to suddenly 
appear on the scene, and take the transgressors of 
the revenue law completely by surprise. 

Voices also came to their ears, as those in the boat 
exchanged remarks in connection with the course 
they were taking through the weak-running surf, 
and toward the spot where that glow served as a 
guide. 

Lopez had apparently gone down as close to the 
edge of the cove as he dared, and was beckoning 
them on with his light. It looked very much as 
though, keen rascal though he was, the Cuban had 
taken too much for granted when he believed they 
could successfully run a cargo ashore within these 
few miles of Wyamoke Life-saving Station, under 
the very eyes of the crew. Yet he had done it 
successfully during the summer months, when Cap- 
tain Lon had been alone in the house on the beach. 

Now the boat had drawn up on the shore. Bob 
plainly heard the men jumping overboard, one at 
least splashing in the water. Then came low words 


210 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

and after that a steady movement, as though they 
■were carrying burdens ashore, to place them in a 
certain spot, from which they could be later on taken 
to the other side of the beach island; to be loaded 
again in another boat on the sound, which would 
ferry the smuggled cigars to a depot the location of 
which was of course unknown to Bob and his coast- 
guard friends. 

Once Bob saw Lopez and another man talking 
earnestly together; and as the light from the little 
torch continued to move hither and thither it 
chanced to disclose the face of the stranger. 

That must be Black Carlos himself, because he’s 
sure got the darkest face of any one I ever saw,” 
Bob told himself, when this came to pass. 

It was an open question with Captain Lon whether 
he should give the word that would precipitate 
trouble before the boat put off, or wait to see 
whether there was another cargo coming ashore. 
As it was the smugglers they wanted, rather than 
the contraband goods, he concluded that it would 
be folly to wait, and thus run the chance of losing 
most of the law-breakers. 

But the problem was solved for him. From their 
hiding place Bob and the other coast-guards heard 
one of the smugglers ask in a cautious voice: 

“ Any more ? ” 

“ No, it’s all landed,” was the answer. 


2II 


Caught in the Act 

Then came a moment of silence. Captain Lon 
had decided to act. 

Get ready, boys ! he whispered hoarsely to his 
men. Leap out on th’ rascals now, before they 
get a chance to take to the boats ! ” 

Bob felt a wild thrill go through him as he heard 
these words, and his muscles stiifened for the leap 
forward. 

“ All ready now ! ” cried Captain Lon, as he gave 
a spring from his hiding place. Bob was at his side 
on the instant, and the other coast-guards followed. 

“ Surrender ! ” cried Captain Lon. 

“ WeVe got you surrounded! ” yelled Bob, more 
for the effect than because it was strictly true. 

For an instant the smugglers hesitated, so sur- 
prised were they at the sudden rush of their 
would-be captors. Bob jumped close to one, and 
flashed his light in the fellow’s face. 

** Carramha!” muttered the man, and Bob saw 
that he was close to Lopez himself. 

‘‘ I’ve got you ! ” cried Bob, wild with the desire 
to get this man, of whom his uncle had told him. 

‘‘ Ah ! You speak too fast, my friend ! ” returned 
the Spaniard, and, turning like a flash, he eluded 
Bob’s eager hands. 

Fly! To the boats! ” cried Lopez. 

“Stand and fight! We outnumber them!” 
shouted one of the smugglers. 

“ No, fly ! We can settle with them later ! ” urged 


212 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Lopez, and, as he spoke. Bob saw another man leap 
out of the darkness to the side of the man with the 
glass eye. In the light of his torch the boy saw that 
this was surely none other than Black Carlos him- 
self. 

Oh, if we could only get them both! thought 
Bob. 

The scene was now one of wild confusion. The 
smugglers were trying to reach their boat and escape, 
and Captain Lon, and his men, including Bob, were 
endeavoring to prevent them. 

Bob saw a figure pass close to him, and made a 
grab for it. In an instant a fist shot out and he was 
knocked down on the sand. 

‘‘ Take that — pig ! ” he heard muttered in a for- 
eign voice. 

Bob was stunned for a moment, but was soon on 
his feet again, running after the retreating smug- 
glers. He saw his mates engaged in a struggle with 
some of them and rushed up to help them. 

At ’em, boys ! ” cried Captain Lon. “ Don’t 
let ’em get away.” 

“ Push off! Push off! ” shouted a voice that Bob 
thought was Black Carlos’s. 

The boy made another grab for a dusky figure, 
only to have it wriggle from him like an eel, while 
he himself spun around like a top. 

‘‘ I’ve got one ! ” shouted a guard. 

‘‘ Hold on to him! ” cried the captain. 


Caught in the Act 213 

There was the sound of blows, some grunts and 
exclamations, and the guard wailed. 

He got away again ! ” 

“ Take after him ! ’’ cried the captain. “ Get ’em 
all!” 

Desperately Bob made a leap forward, aiming to 
get Lopez, whom he could now see. But before he 
could do this some one hit him such a blow that he 
toppled over, and for a moment his senses left him. 
The last thing he remembered seeing, while pressing 
his electric torch as he fell, was Captain Lon closing 
in on Lopez, with Black Carlos trying to drag his 
partner away to the waiting boat. 

Dimly Bob heard shouts, cries and calls for aid. 
He struggled to his feet, and staggered to the edge 
of the surf. He dashed some of the cold water in 
his face, and his reeling senses came back. 

Then he saw two figures struggling close to him. 
One seemed to be trying to reach a boat, and the 
other was clinging to the struggling one. 

Somebody give me a hand ! ” cried Captain Lon, 
and Bob, with a fierce shout, threw himself on the 
smuggler. Together he and the captain bore him 
back from the boat and up the beach. 

Come on, Lopez ! ” pleaded Black Carlos. 

“ I cannot ! They have me ! ” was the gurgling 
response of the captured smuggler, as Captain Lon’s 
fingers closed on his throat, while Bob, seeing a 


214 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

knife flash, knocked it spinning into the surf with a 
blow from his electric torch. 

Then came more cries, the sound of waves slap- 
ping the sides of a boat, and the fight was over. 

There they go ! ” cried one of the coast-guards. 

‘‘ Shoot at ’em ! ” yelled another. 

“No, don’t!” cried Captain Lon. “We don’t 
want to kill any of ’em,” but he spoke too late, as 
one of the guards did fire. A cry answered him out 
of the darkness, but whether any one was hit or not 
they could not then learn. 

“ Come here! ” commanded the captain. “ We’ve 
got to tie this fellow up! We’ve caught one, at any 
rate!” 

“ Yes, you’ve got me! ” hissed Jose Lopez, for it 
was he. “ But you wouldn’t have had me if that 
cub hadn’t knocked away my knife!” and he 
fairly spat the words at Bob. 

“ Take it easy now,” advised Captain Lon. “ You 
won’t make anything by calling hard names. Bring 
those ropes here, men, and then see what sort of a 
cargo we’ve got from them.” 

“ Have the smugglers got away ? ” asked one of 
the guards. 

“ There they go — all but Senor Lopez,” replied 
Bob, as he pointed to a dark mass on the heaving 
waves. It was the boat containing the escaping 
criminals. 


CHAPTER XXIII 


A FRIEND IN NEED 

“ Well,, Bob, how do you feel? ” 

** Oh, a little stiff. Captain, but that’s all. Did you 
get batted around any ? ” 

Yes, I got a few clips on the head, but Pm used 
to that. I was afraid, when I saw you go down that 
time, that you’d been badly hurt.” 

‘‘ Oh, it takes more than that to knock me out,” 
said Bob, with a grin. 

“ You took a chance, though,” remarked Asa 
Barnes, ‘‘ when you knocked that knife out of the 
paw of Lopez.” 

‘‘ It was the only thing to do,” returned Bob, 
simply. I thought he was going to use it on the 
captain.” 

And so he might. Bob, so he might,” was the 
reply of the chief life-saver. “ I’m tremendously 
obliged to you. But we’ve got Senor Lopez where 
he won’t do any more smugglin’ right away.” 

‘‘ He’s locked up then, is he? ” asked Don Squeers. 

Locked up high and dry, and the cargo of 
smuggled stuff those fellows landed is all safe under 
215 


2 i 6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

government control. It was a good night’s work for 
Uncle Sam all right, and it was good work on the 
part of you fellows — Bob and the rest of you.” 

It was the day after the eventful night’s struggle 
with the smugglers. 

All save Lopez had escaped, and he had been 
caught and taken to jail to await trial. Though suf- 
fering from bruises, and a few cuts, neither Bob nor 
his friends were much hurt. After the morning du- 
ties Bob and some of the men had gone out to the 
small dock that jutted into the sound to try their 
luck at fishing. 

Their attention, however, was divided between 
their lines and the evolutions of a motorboat that 
seemed to be trying to do some peculiar feats in 
water-work. The skipper of the craft seemed to be 
taking the most unnecessary risks. 

Look at that now, would you ! ” exclaimed Don, 
pointing to the boat, a little later. 

“ What do you s’pose he’s up to ? ” asked Bob, 
curiously. 

‘‘ I ben watchin’ ’em kerry on,” declared the surf- 
man, sitting up straight now, an’ as nigh as I kin 
make out, they’re doin’ what they calls stunts. 
That’s about the third time they run down at thet 
spile, an’ jest grazin’ it. Playin’ conquer, they calls 
it, I reckon; but they better look out, or else if they 
go jest a leetle wrong it’s goin’ tuh be a head-on 
smash, an’ good-bye tuh thet purty boat. Huh ! thar 





“Take it easy now. 


advised Captain Lon, 



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A Friend in Need 


217 


they cum agin, sure’s shootin’, and a-headin’ straight 
fo’ the spile. Better git yuh coat off. Bob, an’ be 
ready tuh swim; ’cause like as not yuh’ll have tuh 
help pull two fools outen the water right soon.” 

Bob was of about the same opinion himself. He 
scrambled to his feet, and even as he started to jerk 
his jacket off, shouted a warning to the fellows who 
were laughing and shouting as they sent the little 
motorboat full tilt toward the dangerous spile that 
stood up in deep water about a hundred yards from 
the shore. 

If their game was to see how close they could 
graze the pine pillar ambition must have dulled their 
sense of caution, for they chanced to get just a few 
inches nearer than they had expected would be the 
case. 

Just as the surfman had prophesied, the side of 
the swiftly-moving launch crashed against the im- 
movable spile ; and the collision was such as to crush 
in the delicate planking as though it had been an egg- 
shell. Not only that but the wrecked boat was 
hurled away with such tremendous force that it 
immediately sent up a puff of flame and a cloud of 
smoke, showing that the gasoline tank must have 
been broken, allowing the dangerous fluid to come m 
contact with the fire. 

Instantly Bob and the other life-saver sprang 
headlong into the water, only waiting long enough 
to kick off their boots. Unexpected as the call upon 


2 i 8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

their services had come, it found them fully pre- 
pared. 

They swam out toward the scene of the disaster 
as swiftly as though they were racing for a splendid 
prize; and so in truth they were, for very likely a 
human life might be in deadly peril, which could 
only be saved through their prompt efforts. 

Through the splashing drops that were the re- 
sult of his overhand swimming. Bob could catch an 
occasional glimpse of the scene of the wreck. The 
launch was apparently all ablaze, and the two pas- 
sengers must have jumped or been hurled into the 
sound, for there was a most terrific threshing going 
on close by, with half-choked cries for help. 

Quickly the two life-savers got to the spot, though 
the time may have seemed ages to those who were 
in peril. 

One of them could swim, though not accustomed 
to being in the water with his clothes on. He had 
pluckily seized upon his comrade, and was trying 
to hold him up, though the chances were that if left 
to themselves, both would have gone down in short 
order, as they were rapidly becoming exhausted 
when Bob and Don arrived on the scene. 

There was burning lubricating oil on the surface 
of the water, which they had to avoid, for it would 
be a most unpleasant experience should they come 
in contact with this. 

‘‘ Each take one, Don ! called out Bob, who 


A Friend in Need 


219 

somehow seemed to naturally take it upon himself 
to give orders in this emergency. 

Approaching on either side of the struggling boys 
Bob sternly told them to keep their wits about them, 
and they would have nothing to fear. 

“ Don’t try to grab us around the neck or you’ll 
get hurt ! ” he went on to caution them, knowing 
what frantic people, believing they are drowning, 
are likely in nearly every case to attempt. 

Experience counts for considerable in the case 
of rescuing any one who is struggling in the water. 
That is why life-savers on the bathing beaches at 
summer resorts are so uniformly successful when 
they start out to rescue one who has been taken 
with a cramp, or been carried off by the fierce un- 
dertow. They know just how to handle their 
charge, and watch out to see that the one in danger 
has no chance to seize upon them. 

So Bob came up behind the boy whom he saw 
could not swim, and suddenly taking hold of him, 
shouted to the other to let loose. As Don at about 
the same instant caught the second lad in a secure 
grip, the situation looked promising. 

Toward the shore Bob started. He had to watch 
very carefully, not only to keep the other from twist- 
ing around in his grip, and catching even a slight 
hold on his person; but to also keep the boy’s head 
well up, so as to prevent him from swallowing more 
water. 


220 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Before he could reach the shore he found that 
he had a dead weight on his hands; for the boy 
had lost consciousness. After that Bob could take 
him on his chest, and swimming on his back, keep 
him partly out of the water. 

As soon as he landed he started to get the water 
out of the lad’s lungs. Laying him face down- 
ward, with both arms extended above his head, he 
knelt over his body and commenced a regular move- 
ment, pressing down hard on a certain part of the 
small of his back, and then allowing the boy’s lungs 
to draw in air again. 

This movement, which is the most particular one 
in the whole process of restoring a partially-drowned 
person to consciousness, he repeated a good many 
times, not at all discouraged because success did not 
come immediately; for often it takes more than 
half an hour of vigorous artificial breathing to start 
the organs to once more assuming their normal func- 
tions. 

Don had meanwhile come ashore with the other 
boy, who had tried to play the part of hero, after 
his foolish prank had nearly cost the life of his 
friend. The big surfman understood full well how 
to go about restoring respiration, for it was a part 
of his education in the service of Uncle Sam to know 
how to save such castaways as misfortune should 
wash up on the beach after a wreck, where life had 
not fully departed. 


A Friend in Need 


221 


But after he had watched Bob work for several 
minutes he realized that he could not show that boy 
anything along these lines ; and Don was quite con- 
tent to crouch there at the side of the senseless lad, 
working his arms, or else chafing his legs in the 
effort to revive circulation. 

Then finally success came, and the boy opened his 
eyes. Half an hour later he was able to walk; and 
alongside of a fire both dried their clothes. Ap- 
parently their spirits had sunk to low tide, and they 
were greatly subdued by this time. Both shook 
hands with their rescuers when a chance came to 
cross over to the mainland with a party of men who 
were giving up hopes of securing any more wreck- 
age. 

They had given their names as Paul Hedges 
and Larry Speedmore. Bob understood that the 
Hedgeses were wealthy Baltimore people who had a 
summer home some ten miles up the sound ; and ex- 
pected that when the boys mustered up enough 
courage to confess what had happened to destroy 
their pretty little launch, as likely as not there would 
come a letter from Paul’s father. 

This really happened several days later, and in 
the letter, besides the earnest thanks of the gentle- 
man, was a check for two hundred dollars, which 
he hoped they would accept with his compliments 
as a slight token of his gratitude. 

But the rules of the United States Government 


222 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

are very strict on that score, and no life-saver is al- 
lowed to accept a reward for doing his duty; and 
while Bob had delightful visions of what he could 
do with his share of that money, in the way of hav- 
ing his father find and purchase a watch as near like 
the lost one as was possible, he made no comment 
when Captain Lon asked him to write to Mr. 
Hedges, explaining the circumstances, and return- 
ing the check. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


A LETTER FROM HOME 

‘‘ A LETTER for you. Bob ! ” 

‘‘ Glad to hear it, Captain Lon,” replied the young 
life-saver, as he received his share of the mail, as 
he recognized his mother’s well-known handwriting 
on the envelope. “ Any news of Lopez ? ” for Cap- 
tain Lon had been to the town hall to inquire as to 
the disposition of the prisoner. 

No, not much news,” the captain answered. 
“ He’s still locked up, and by to-morrow a United 
State’s marshal’ll be on hand to take him away.” 

“ And how about the cargo of cigars? ” Bob con- 
tinued, though fairly wild to get off by himself^ 
and see what was in his precious letter. 

“ Oh ! they’ll take care that Wyamoke Station 
gets all the credit for making the seizure,” Captain 
Lon continued, with an intake of breath that showed 
how well satisfied he felt over the affair that would 
continue to keep the little coast hamlet ‘‘ on the 
map,” so to speak. “ And we all say it’s owing to 
you knowing about Jose Lopez being a smuggler that 
we got the chance. Only for that they’d ’a’ landed 
their cargo, and nobody been the wiser.” 

223 


224 Spencer the Life Saver 

“ I was in great luck there,” said Bob, modestly. 

“Huh! seems to me it was the rest of us that 
must have been in the biggest luck, just to have 
you drop in here on us; which we'll never deny,” 
added the keeper, significantly, as he gave Bob a fond 
look, and then walked toward the station. 

Bob, being left alone where he had awaited the 
landing of his three comrades, proceeded to read his 
letter. First he held it up, and looked at the in- 
scription, traced by his mother's dear hand. Then, 
after a quick glance around, to make sure that he 
was not observed, he hastily pressed the envelope 
she had handled to his lips; and after that he care- 
fully opened one end. 

As he did so he was conscious of that same old 
tremor, for like a knife cutting into the sensitive 
flesh came the thought of the lost watch. 

Surely, Bob reflected, she would say something 
about it in this, her second letter. Perhaps after her 
gentle way mother would just hint to him that in 
his present rough employment possibly a dainty 
lady's watch was hardly the proper thing for him to 
carry around; and that if he would send it back she 
would take infinite pleasure in mailing him one of 
those dollar timepieces that were much better suited 
for one who might be overboard frequently. 

That would be just like mother, who always en- 
deavored to make things as easy for others as she 
could, and would not give pain for worlds. But to 


A Letter From Home 225 

his utter astonishment, after Bob had greedily de- 
voured the long letter from beginning to end, he did 
not find the slightest mention of the lost watch. 

It puzzled him greatly, and made him wince at 
the same time. Surely mother must have missed 
her watch by now; and must remember how Bob 
had borrowed it just to carry to the barn dance. 
Yet the letter was only brimming over with the news 
of the neighborhood, and permeated by a parent’s 
fond love. 

She told him how she had eagerly read all about 
the storm, and the gallant work of the famous 
Wyamoke life-saving crew. Yes, and it made Bob 
turn red with pleasure to learn that they had even 
read of how he. Bob Spencer, had jumped into the 
sea to save that wretched sailor who struck the 
boat, and would otherwise have been lost. What a 
delicious thrill it gave him to know that father, 
mother and his four brothers had read all about that 
episode, which he had intended so carefully to 
avoid mentioning. 

Afternoon was nearly over, since it had taken 
a long time for those who had gone across to the 
mainland to settle everything connected with the 
prisoner, as well as the seizure of contraband cigars 
that were to be delivered unbroken to the agent of 
the Government when he arrived on the morrow. 

Captain Lon had been in communciation with 
Washington, and one of the first pleasant fruits of 


226 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the recent haul had been hearty congratulations from 
the Chief of the Department over his work ; and that 
repaid the sturdy coast-guard for all his labors of 
the preceding night. 

These men who stand ready to take their lives 
in their hands and risk everything they have in 
order to save strangers who are in deadly peril, re- 
ceive far less credit than they really deserve. 

Debarred from accepting any reward from others, 
and allowed only scant privileges with regard to 
visiting their families while they are on duty dur- 
ing the stormy part of the year, they lead a mo- 
notonous existence, enlivened by few pleasures. 

It is little wonder then that they even welcome the 
coming of an occasional tempest, for at least that 
promises to arouse them from the dreary every day 
monotony and to bring new elements into their dull 
lives. 

They are like the fireman who dozes in his chair 
during the daytime; but let the first stroke of the bell 
sound, and he is instantly another being, his drowsi- 
ness gone like a flash, and every nerve and muscle 
on the alert to do his duty. So the life-saver of the 
seaboard spends his time when a lull occurs in the 
storm period, and the weather persists in remaining 
mild and soft; but once let the wind arise, and the 
whitecaps sweep along on the tops of the giant 
waves, and there enters into his nature another spirit 
that fills him with enthusiasm over his chosen work 


A Letter From Home 


227 


of fighting the wild sea for the lives that are in peril. 

Bob stopped when close to the station, and 
watched the busy scene before him. Already he 
was beginning to feel a sort of affection for these 
rough fellows with whom his lot had been cast. 
He saw beneath the exterior, and knew that they 
possessed many excellent qualities. They could 
hardly fill the positions they did, and under a man 
like Captain Lon, without being the right sort of 
fellows. 

Several among them had already become great 
friends with the newcomer, particularly Asa Barnes, 
Thad Wappinger and Don Squeers. 

Then there was Ezra Carpenter who fairly wor- 
shiped the captain, and followed him around like a 
shadow, ready to do anything to serve him. Once, 
long ago the keeper of Wyamoke Life-saving 
Station had been instrumental in causing Ezra to 
reform, after he had been known as the village 
drunkard; and then getting him a place in the 
service, partly to keep him away from his evil 
associates until he could become strong enough to 
fight his own battles. For that Ezra felt that he 
owed all he had to Captain Lon ; he now supported 
his little family in comfort, and his youngest boy 
rejoiced in the name of Lon, after the keeper. 

Bob watched them moving around, some get- 
ting wood ready for cooking the evening meal; 
others were sky-larking, as even grown men will 


228 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

sometimes do when off by themselves; while a 
couple seemed to be writing letters. 

Unable to stand the strain any longer Bob had 
determined to write the whole humiliating truth to 
his mother, and get the load off his mind. He felt 
that it was a duty he owed her, that could not be 
put off any longer. Dave might have meanwhile 
found the watch, and somehow all the while the boy 
kept that hope in his heart. But whether this came 
about or not, he wanted to assure his mother that he 
meant to see that her loss was made good, as far as 
was possible. 

And so for half an hour Bob wrote steadily, 
using the fountain pen which had been a parting 
gift from his father before he left home. He went 
into full particulars, so that the home folks might 
not think it had been so much his fault that the 
little watch was lost on that night, when he had been 
attacked in such a cowardly fashion by those three 
fellows. 

Perhaps his mother would do as he asked her, and 
see Susie Bodkins, who could explain the circum- 
stances in a way that would not do his reputation 
any hurt. And when she spoke to Dave, as he also 
asked her to, about the lost watch, he would tell her 
how Bob had almost immediately written to him 
about it soon after reaching his station on the 
coast, though at the time asking him to keep his 
secret. 


A Letter From Home 


229 


After performing this duty, which he feared he 
had neglected too long already, Bob went out, think- 
ing that he might see some one of the villagers head- 
ing across to the sound, who would be glad to drop 
his letter into the post-office over at Wyamoke that 
afternoon, so it would catch the night train that 
went North. 

Discovering a boy with whom he had been talk- 
ing that very afternoon, and whose name was Caleb 
Calkins, who was carrying some of the stuff he had 
collected over to a crazy looking boat he owned, Bob 
hailed him. 

** Can you do a little errand for me after you get 
ashore, Caleb ? he asked, as he held up a dime, 
together with his precious letter. 

“ Sure I kin, if it's drop that letter in the office,” 
replied the other, readily, for money was a scarce 
commodity in his house just then, and a dime 
looked in his eyes as large as a cart wheel.” 

And you won’t forget to put it in as soon as you 
get ashore, will you?” Bob went on to say; “be- 
cause it’s a very important letter, you see, and I’d 
hate to have it miss connection with that mail train 
that goes up about nine to-night.” 

“ Oh ! I’ll look out for thet, mister,” replied the 
beach boy, confidently. 

So Bob handed over his letter, together with the 
money; and as he stood there, and waved a hand 
after the boy, who had started to cross the wide but 


230 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

shallow sound in his ramshackle boat, with a 
tattered sail that threatened to split in the strong 
wind that was blowing, the young life-saver fondly 
believed that since he had now sent the full particu- 
lars to his mother, he need no longer feel the re- 
proach that had been shaming him so long. 

But Bob, though he did not know it at the time, 
was very much mistaken when he thus believed that 
the clouds had all been brushed aside by his writing 
about the lost watch to his mother, for that letter 
never reached its destination. 

The sailors, as well as the captain of the ill-fated 
bark Glendora, had left the shore, and gone to 
Baltimore to report at the office of the firm owning 
the wrecked vessel. Even the poor fellow whom 
Bob had jumped in after had recovered sufficiently 
from his injury to depart with his comrades. 

But before leaving Wyamoke the skipper had 
caused a notice to be posted at the mail delivery 
window, requesting those salvage men who picked 
up anything that seemed valuable on the beach, to 
hold the same until an agent of the line could arrive, 
who would be glad to make satisfactory arrange- 
ments and pay a suitable sum for the property that 
had been saved from the sea. 

There is a law upon this subject, and where the 
cargo of a wrecked vessel is of a nature worth buy- 
ing back, a certain value is placed upon such portions 


A Letter From Home 231 

that have been salvaged/’ and the wreckers must 
accept that in lieu of maintaining possession. 

In the main, however, they are allowed to retain 
all they save; and where money does enter into the 
transaction the beach combers usually get much 
more than the stuff could ever be worth to them. 

When the call came for supper later on, the men 
gathered around the table; and as hungry fellows 
the food that covered the homely board appealed 
to their fancy much more than the daintiest spread 
might to the jaded appetites of fortune’s favorites. 

True, only a white oilcloth was to be seen in 
place of a fine table linen; but it was kept im- 
maculately clean; and after all what man cares deep 
down in his heart about the garnishings, when he is 
fairly wild to begin an attack upon the food that 
appeals so strongly to his appetite ? 

So the days went on until Bob had been three 
weeks in his new calling. After that adventure 
with the smugglers, when the chief offender 
managed to escape, things had gone on smoothly 
and quietly at the life-saving station on Wyamoke 
beach. The September days wore on until the 
middle of the month passed, and then Bob began to 
notice a sense of uneasiness among his companions. 

This he knew was caused by the fact that the 
stormy equinoctial period was now at hand, when 
they might reasonably look for the most violent 
disturbances of the whole year. 


232 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

During all this time, while Bob received a letter 
every Tuesday from his mother, and heard also 
from Frank and Fred, not a thing was said about 
the lost watch. 

He did not know what to make of it, and began 
to wonder if after all his letter carrying that full 
confession had ever reached his mother at all. So 
he kept on the lookout, meaning the first time he 
saw that beach boy, Caleb, to take him to task and 
make him confess whether he had lost it or not. 

One letter only had come from Dave in answer 
to that he had written, asking him to take up the 
search. In this the brother admitted that his own 
affairs as connected with his chapces of entering the 
Secret Service with Uncle Dave had taken up so 
much of his attention lately that he had not been 
able to give much time to searching for the watch. 

Still he had gone over the ground twice, and 
planned to make another try just as soon as the wet 
spell they were having had passed by. He meant 
to use that rake this time and would let Bob know 
what luck he had. 

So Bob had to rest content and keep hoping for 
the good news to come. 

On this particular day Captain Lon had himself 
been ashore, and came out late in' the afternoon. 
Bob fancied he looked troubled as he walked across 
the sand dunes to the strongly built life-saving 
station. 


A Letter From Home 


233 


It was when they had fairly well concluded their 
supper that Captain Lon sprung a little bombshell 
in the camp, so to speak. Bob had seen him look 
around at his crew several times in a peculiar way, 
and even noted the fact that there was what seemed 
to be a line of anxiety upon the keeper's genial face. 
And so he was not very much surprised at what 
came to pass. 

Well, lads," said the keeper, during a lull in 
the lively talk that had been going around, “ I 
might as well tell you now as later that you’d better 
make up your minds to trouble. When I was ashore 
I had a wire from headquarters, warning me to 
keep an extra bright lookout, because the worst 
hurricane in ten years has left Cuban waters, curved 
around the end of Florida past Key West, and 
started up the Atlantic coast at a hundred mile an 
hour whirl. And chances are she’ll hit along this 
section some time to-morrow, when there’ll be Ned 
to pay. They’re warning vessels everywhere to hug 
the harbors ; but all the same chances are we’ll have 
one or more strike on the sands out yonder before 
forty-eight hours. So get what sleep you can when 
you’re off duty this night, because there’s no telling 
v/hen you’ll have a chance to take it easy again ! ’’ 


CHAPTER XXV 


THE WEATHER BUREAU'S WARNING 

The men simply looked at one another when they 
heard this startling news. There was very little 
comment on the subject, only a tightening of the 
lips in a few cases; yet possibly it must have oc- 
curred to more than one mind to wonder whether it 
might not be this coming storm that was fated to 
make a vacancy in a certain little home over across 
the wide sound in the hamlet where the white cot- 
tages nestled. 

After a little while they started to discuss other 
periods in the history of Wyamoke Life-saving Sta- 
tion; and express a curiosity as to whether this 
storm, that Captain Lon said was heralded as the 
worst the coast had known for ten years, could pos- 
sibly exceed in violence that terror they remembered 
so well, which had ravaged the seaboard just four 
years back. 

Naturally the talk from that time on was all about 
past experiences; and Bob as he sat and eagerly 
listened heard many new and thrilling episodes 
brought to the surface. 


234 


The Weather Bureau’s Warning 235 


The night was apparently peaceful enough, with 
the stars shining overhead; but to an experienced 
weather prophet, such as these men of the shore had 
become after long years of service, there was a hint 
of a change in the dim way these heavenly bodies 
hung aloft, and shed their light upon the sleeping 
world below. 

Sitting there, after the lamps were lighted. Bob 
watched those who were preparing the evening meal, 
and smiled with the consciousness that after all his 
dream had come true. Sometimes he felt almost 
tempted to pinch himself, lest he wake up and find 
himself once more in his familiar bed at home, and 
this picture of the interior of the Wyamoke Life- 
saving Station vanish just as the mist does after the 
sun appears. 

But looking around he saw the various tiers of 
sleeping bunks, as well as the big heating stove 
which would doubtless feel mighty comfortable 
through many a bleak wintry day, and wild stormy 
night, when the crew came in worn out with their 
labors, almost perishing with the bitter sleet that 
froze upon their clothing, and perhaps carrying 
those poor wretches whom they had snatched from 
the jaws of the cruel sea. 

Every man had his own locker in this well-ar- 
ranged station, where he could keep his personal be- 
longings. There were blankets for all, and to spare, 
for Uncle Sam is generous with those who work in 


236 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

his service, and year by year the great chain of life- 
saving stations along the Atlantic and Pacific 
Coasts, the Gulf of Mexico and the United States 
side of the Great Lakes is being extended and im- 
proved. 

And as Bob watched the cheery scene he again 
and again assured himself that he was more than 
glad he had been so fortunate as to find a berth in 
such a well-ordered station as that under the charge 
of Captain Lon. 

Storms would come, but that fact did not seem to 
dismay Bob in the least. He had already passed 
through one experience, and was ready to try it 
again whenever the necessity arose. 

And this being the case, the new recruit felt no> 
sinking in the region of his heart as he listened to 
the men relate all manner of thrilling episodes as 
they sat at the table, partaking of a warm and 
wholesome meal. 

‘‘ The glass is going down slowly,’’ one of the 
men announced, after supper, as the first watch pre- 
pared to issue forth to start upon their long tramp 
up and down the beach. 

Oh ! I don’t calculate that it’ll show much 
change before morning,” Captain Lon spoke up. 
“ While the head of the hurricane is only a few hun- 
dred miles, so to speak. South of us right now, you 
know the whirling motion of these West Indian 
hurricanes is the worst thing about ’em. Sometimes 


The Weather Bureau’s Warning 237 

the storm itself hardly seems to leave a certain sec- 
tion for days, yet all that time it’ll be roaring round 
and round at eighty, ninety, yes, even a full hun- 
dred miles an hour.” 

As before Bob was one of the first watch, and he 
had Thad again for company; but this was a far 
different night from the one when they had butted 
into that fierce head wind, with the rain pouring 
down in sheets, and the thunder and lightning add- 
ing to all the wild commotion. 

Now they could chat more or less as they walked 
their round twice before the coming of midnight, 
when the second watch went on duty. And the new 
member of the crew learned still more interesting 
things connected with this business of saving vessels, 
or wrecked sailors, from the violence of the ele- 
ments. 

Bob was like a sponge when it came to soaking up 
information; and it seemed as though he could 
never get enough. As he had already become a 
universal favorite with the men, they were only too 
willing to tell him anything they knew, realizing at 
the same time that their stories of thrilling scenes 
would not cause him to weaken in his intention to 
follow this life. 

They had seen him tested, and knew full well the 
kind of material that a Spencer was made of. Any 
fellow who could spring overboard into that boiling 
sea in order to save a poor mariner who had been 


238 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

knocked senseless, and was being carried away by 
the receding billow, was worthy of a berth in even 
such a noted crew as that of Wyamoke Station. 

When Bob once more reached the shelter house 
the stars were beginning to disappear overhead. 
So far as he could make out there did not seem to 
be any particular masses of clouds, as on that other 
occasion; but the stars had grown dim until by 
degrees they vanished entirely from sight in the 
thickening atmosphere that must be a forerunner of 
the coming hurricane. 

It was unduly warm, too, for this is the customary 
precursor of one of those tropical disturbances that 
push some of the heat of the Antilles ahead of them 
>vhen they start to make a record journey, either up 
the coast or into the Mexican Gulf. 

When one of these hurricanes is reported in the 
Caribbean Sea it is carefully watched by the officers 
of the Weather Bureau in Washington, and its prog- 
ress hourly and daily noted, being telegraphed to 
every point possible along both coasts. 

No one can tell, up to a certain time, which of the 
two courses it will take; until it has advanced far 
enough to strike the tip of the Florida peninsula. 
Then it will either curve, and start up the Atlantic 
coast; or else continue advancing into the Gulf, and 
later on strike New Orleans and the coast of Texas. 

Years ago when Galveston suffered so terribly it 
was one of these same hurricanes that have their 


The Weather Bureau’s Warning 239 

birth in the Islands of the Antilles that did all the 
damage. The same storm followed up the Missis- 
sippi Valley, turned across the Great Lakes and 
passing down the St. Lawrence River, caused a 
tremendous amount of damage off the New Found- 
land Banks, after which it even crossed to Europe 
and was heard from there. 

Altogether that single storm was under observa- 
tion fully three weeks ; and as it covered a territory 
of hundreds of miles in width during its onward 
sweep, the chances are that its equal has never been 
known in America. 

Before seeking his bunk Bob consulted the bar- 
ometer which they owned at Wyamoke Station, and 
which had often been of great value in warning the 
life-savers that a period of storm and stress was 
coming down upon them. 

‘’‘Still dropping, eh, lad?’' asked Captain Lon, 
thrusting his head out from his bunk nearby. 

“ Yes, it is below the reading of the last storm, 
which was twenty-eight-and-a-half,” was Bob’s 
reply; for he was greatly interested in this valuable 
little instrument, whereby men had found a way to 
train the mercury to serve them as a guardian angel. 

“ And by morning it’ll be lower than twenty-eight, 
if what they wired me is half true,” grunted the 
keeper, once more vanishing to get what sleep he 
could. 

That was not very delightful news, and natur- 


240 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

ally Bob lay there for some time trying to picture 
what might come out of this new tempest. He 
hoped that no vessel would be so unfortunate as to 
strike the treacherous shoals off Wyamoke shore, 
while it lasted. 

Finally he fell asleep, and knew nothing more 
until he was awakened by the odor of coffee, and 
found that it was a dull, gray morning, with most 
of his mates stirring, because they knew that a time 
of action was close by. 

Bob went outside to dash some cold water in his 
face, as was his custom the first thing after awaken- 
ing. The air was heavy, and there seemed to be a 
strange moaning sound from somewhere far out at 
sea; as though the spirits of all those who had 
found a grave beneath those green waters might be 
mourning. 

The young life-saver stood out on the beach and 
looked long and earnestly toward the South where 
the dull gray was most dense; but so far there 
seemed to be no sign of what lay hidden far below 
the horizon. 

There was no sun visible that morning, though 
they could just manage to tell where the big orb 
must be, for there was a queer brassy hue that 
seemed particularly ominous. 

“ Feels like we was a-goin’ tuh git her right 
smart along by noon,'' said a voice close to his el- 
bow; and turning he found that Thad had followed 


The Weather Bureau’s Warning 241 

him out, possibly to also take his private observa- 
tion as to the state of the weather. 

“ I don’t ever remember feeling it just this way,” 
Bob remarked. “ But that might come from my 
having lived all my time in the interior, where we 
never have this damp feeling that comes from the 
sea. And say, Thad, what makes that creepy noise 
out yonder? Is that the way storms tell you they 
are in the road, so you can get things fastened up ? ” 

“ Sometimes they does. Bob, but not often,” came 
the reply. Fact is, I reckons it might be on’y the 
wust kind as acts thetaways. Allers makes me feel 
bad too, tho’ I don’t know why it should, ’case I 
h^in’t given tuh anything like thet, leavin’ the same 
tuh the wimmen folks.” 

“ And you think we’ll be having something doing 
by noon, do you ? ” continued Bob. 

‘‘ I does thet, an’ mebbe befo’, if the wind rises, 
as she’s apt tuh do any ole time,” the experienced 
life-saver assured him. 

The call to breakfast interrupted their little talk. 
And as might be expected, while the morning meal 
progressed about everything that was said had more 
or less connection with the trying experience that 
was probably before them. 

No sooner was the meal finished than the wise 
keeper had all hands set to work doing various 
things. Two of the best cooks were detailed to get 
food prepared, so that if they were too busily em- 


242 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

ployed for the next forty-eight hours to devote any 
time to this, at least there would be no necessity for 
the life-savers to go hungry. A fire could be kept 
going much of the time, so that hot coffee was to be 
had, with which to refresh the weary workers, wet 
and bedraggled as they were apt to find themselves ; 
or else to help restore any unfortunate whom they 
managed to rescue from the sea’s fury. 

As for himself, assisted by Bob and several 
others, the keeper set on his rounds to personally 
inspect every bit of paraphernalia connected with the 
business of the life-saving station. 

Each boat was closely looked over, and if any- 
thing could be done to improve its condition men 
were immediately set to work with that idea in 
view. Then came another overhauling of the tackle 
connected with the beach gun, and the breeches 
buoy — whip, blocks, hawser, and the queer recepta- 
cle for the imperilled mariner to thrust both legs 
through, while he was hauled ashore through the 
boiling surf, were most critically examined in de- 
tail. 

Then came the short little cannon itself, from 
which was to be fired the shot that would carry the 
rapidly uncoiling line straight over the wreck, so 
that those still aboard could seize hold, and haul, 
first the whip and block, aboard, and later on the 
hawser upon which the buoy was to be drawn back 
and forth by means of the whip. 


The Weather Bureau’s Warning 243 

Of course these were always kept in what the 
men called “ apple pie order ; ” but that made no 
difference with Captain Lon ; something might have 
occurred since he had last looked them over to 
cause a strand to weaken, or a bit of iron to rust, 
so that it was liable to give way. His principle 
seemed to be that a chain can only prove as strong 
as the weakest link in it; and he was therefore al- 
ways searching for that same unfortunate link. 

The morning passed slowly away. 

Thad proved to be a good prophet, for along 
about ten o’clock the wind arose, and rapidly grew 
in volume. At noon it was blowing great guns out 
of the southeast, and increasing with every hour. 
Already the ocean looked as angry as Bob had ever 
seen it; and the captain assured him that it prom- 
ised to keep on growing more and more furious as 
the day advanced, until by night it would be some- 
thing terrible indeed. 


CHAPTER XXVI 


THE COMING OF THE HURRICANE 

“ Barometer is still going down,” remarked Bob, 
as he came back from one of several inspecting trips 
to where the instrument hung on the wall. 

That’s what it is, lad,” agreed Captain Lon, 
“ and I hope it stops before the mercury gets to the 
end of the tube. Though I don’t know’s it can be 
much worse! ” 

‘‘ Listen to that, will you! ” exclaimed one of the 
men, as a blast fairly shook the station. 

“ Yes, and the tide’s coming up fast, too,” added 
another, who had just come in. 

“ There don’t seem to be many folks from the 
mainland out now,” observed Bob, as the day was 
drawing to a close. 

“ No, they’ve sense enough to stay in out of the 
storm,” observed Captain Lon. “ It’s only sailors, 
and chaps like us, that have to be out whether they 
like it or not. Not that I’m kicking,” he added 
quickly, ‘‘ for I like it, on the whole. But I’m 
thinking we’ll have our work cut out for us this 
night! See to it, boys, that you’ve got ever)d:hing 
244 


The Coming of the Hurricane 245 

you need, and in readiness, before it gets dark,” and 
with this warning Bob and the others looked to 
their outfits. 

The patrol was kept up just the same as at night 
during ordinary occasions, as far as human nature 
could stand it. Of course the captain was shrewd 
enough not to press too heavily on the endurance of 
his men ; for should a wreck come ashore they must 
be in condition to work for hours, deluged with the 
rain, and hardly able to stand up before the blasts 
of wind. 

The day came to an end without anything hap- 
pening to cause alarm. So far as it was known no 
vessel had been blown in on those fatal shoals, 
where many a gallant bark had “ left her bones in 
the graveyard,” as the life-savers were wont to put 
it. 

And now came the most dreadful night Bob had 
ever known in all his experience. Thad had spoken 
truly when declaring that the other gale had not 
been “ a circumstance ” to this one. 

The sky was inky black, and all around them 
sounded the roar of pounding waves and shrieking 
wind. Looking out to sea, they could see nothing 
but a tumbling riot of white-capped waves, that 
seemed to be chasing after each other like race- 
horses competing for a prize. 

The usual conditions were altered by the coming 
of the storm, so that only a portion of the crew sat 


246 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

down at a time to eat; and even then they were in 
momentary expectation of being called forth to 
either man the lifeboat, or get the beach gun into 
service. 

Everyone’s nerves seemed strained to the utmost 
tension, and it would be next to a miracle if any 
member of that little group managed to catch a 
wink of sleep during that first night of the hurri- 
cane. 

When they were not outside making short excur- 
sions up and down the beach, exposed to the cruel 
weather, the men were trying to recuperate. Of 
course there could not be such a thing as a two-mile 
stretch to each man while conditions remained at 
this stage; but they must be content to simply keep 
as bright a lookout seaward as possible, and leave 
the rest until morning. 

Occasionally the captain would give orders to 
ignite one of the Coston lights. He had a faint hope 
that were this seen by the lookout aboard some 
vessel that was being carried into danger, it might 
still allow of time for them to haul off, and keep 
from striking on the fatal shoals. 

Bob would never forget that night, it was im- 
pressed so indelibly on his mind. He may have 
thought he had experienced furious gales before, 
while out camping, or on a Fall hunt with some of 
his boy chums ; but this was really much more terri- 
ble than all those others rolled into one ; so he told 


The Coming of the Hurricane 247 

himself as he struggled to keep from being actually 
picked up by the wind, and carried away across the 
strip of sand which served as a barrier to the 
ocean’s billows. 

In several places both above and below, the cap- 
tain declared he believed that the tide rose so high 
that many of the largest of these waves must actu- 
ally sweep up over the sand dunes, and a part of 
their energy pass on to the sound. This same thing 
had occurred only twice before in all his experience 
of thirty-odd years; so that Bob was able to judge 
what sort of a storm this must be to equal that long 
past record. 

It was somewhere near dawn, though the dark- 
ness held as densely as ever over all that scene, 
when one of the men ^ ho chanced to be on duty at 
the time came reeling into the station, almost ex- 
hausted. 

They could see from his manner that he had news 
of some kind to tell; but first of all must be al- 
lowed some time to catch his breath, and restore his 
energies. 

Captain Lon hastened to get him a cup of hot 
coffee; while others stirred up the fire and rubbed 
his cold hands. After a short time the man, who 
was Ben Whitlatch, made signs that he felt better, 
and wanted to speak. 

Is it a wreck ? ” demanded Captain Lon, know- 
ing just how the other felt in his exhausted condi- 


248 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

tion, and that the quickest way to cut the Gordian 
knot was to ask questions that could, if necessary, 
be answered with a nod of the head. 

Yes,” Ben managed to say, swallowing hard. 

Which way — up or down? ” asked the keeper of 
the station, and not without considerable anxiety, 
because a great deal depended on the answer ; since 
the shoals lying above were considered the easiest 
to cheat of their intended prey; while few vessels 
that went on to the South ever survived the experi- 
ence. 

Then again the peril was always greater to the 
life-savers below the station, and nine-tenths of 
their mishaps had occurred in that quarter. 

South ! ” came the answer, as Ben began to find 
his breath again, the hot coffee no doubt assisting in 
this work of recovery. ‘‘We didn’t see a sign of 
her till that one light flashed up, and it told us she 
was hard and fast on the sands about in the same 
place where the Nancy Sloan struck, four years 
ago.” 

“ That’s bad news, mate,” said Captain Lon ; for 
memory immediately carried him back to the wreck 
of that unfortunate vessel, when there were many 
of her crew washed overboard before the breeches 
buoy could be sent cut to try and save the few sur- 
vivors; this after the lifeboat had been hurled 
ashore five separate times when the valiant crew 
tried to launch it. 


The Coming of the Hurricane 249 

We kinder think she might be a steamer, Cap,” 
the surfman went on to say. 

Why so ? ” demanded the other, with a look of 
concern ; because that might mean there were women 
and children in danger; whereas with a schooner 
it only stood for the crew of a few sailors at most. 

Now and then, when the openin’ came along we 
could see a green light that looked like it was high 
up on a stay,” Ben continued. 

Mebbe one of the coasters that was caught out, 
trying to make her port to the South,” said one of 
the others. 

Captain Lon shook his head in the negative. 

I hardly think it would come that way, men,” 
he declared. Because you see the warning was 
out long enough ahead to keep any captain from 
taking chances, if so be he was headin’ South.” 

Then what would you say she is ? ” asked Bob. 

Just as like as not one of them fruit steamers 
cornin’ up from the West Indies,” replied the keeper. 

In some fashion she must have slipped on ahead 
of the hurricane, while it was makin’ up its mind 
whether to hit along this coast, or else run into the 
Gulf beyond Key West; but it caught up with her, 
seems, and now there’s a-goin’ to be another story of 
the Wyamoke shoals to be recorded in the books of 
the department at headquarters. Goodness knows 
they be plenty enough as it is, without any more. 
But no matter how they anchor a lightship out 


250 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

there, to warn ’em off, and give her a siren foghorn 
to blow in thick weather, wrecks come along just the 
same, because captains will take chances.” 

Bob saw that the men did not make any effort 
looking to going out just then. He knew from 
this fact that the captain judged the storm to be too 
severe for anything to be attempted while the dark- 
ness of night remained. 

No doubt in the morning the life-savers would 
get busy, and put in an arduous day; but after all 
they were only human, and nothing could live and 
work under cover of darkness, with that gale raging. 
Men must see in order to launch their surfboat in 
the face of a raging sea; or else try and send a 
line out over the wreck by means of the effective 
little beach gun. 

“ I suppose you’ve had steamers on the shoals be- 
fore now. Captain ? ” asked Bob, always on the 
lookout for information. 

“ Well, yes, and a good number of ’em, at that, 
son,” was the other’s reply. “ It was just last sea- 
son that one of these same fruit boats came in dur- 
ing a bad fog, and got stuck on the North sands. 
They had to lighten her a heap before the tugs we 
telegraphed for could pull her off. And if the 
weather had changed while that was a-goin’ on it’d 
been good-bye to the steamer. But she got away, 
with part of a load saved, and nobody hurt.” 

“ And say, mebbe wc didn’t have bananas a-plenty, 


The Coming of the Hurricane 251 

that season ! ’’ chuckled Ezra Carpenter. “ The 
bunches was knee-deep all along the beach, green as 
grass, too ; but we took ’em in, and it was a mighty 
poor house in Wyamoke that couldn’t boast o’ harf 
a dozen bunches ripenin’ for weeks to come. 
Reckon we had ’em every which way, cooked and 
raw. I just used to dream o’ big tarantulas a-creep- 
in’ out of the bunches we had tied up here.” 

“ But the steamer is made of iron or steel, and 
perhaps she might stand all that pounding?” sug- 
gested Bob. 

Again the captain shook his head, this time in the 
negative. 

“ They ain’t never a boat made that’s strong 
enough to stand up agin that sea for many hours, 
believe me, lad,” he said, soberly. ‘‘Ye ain’t got 
an idea what terrible force they be back o’ that 
hammering. When the ship is afloat it gives ’way, 
like; but let her lie on a reef, or the shifting sands, 
and it’s only a question of time when she’ll buckle, 
and break in two, steel or not. But I’m hoping this 
one is staunch enough to hold out till we get a 
chance to work the breeches buoy.” 

“ Then you think that you’ll have to use the 
beach gun after all, Captain ? ” Bob continued ; 
while his eye lighted up eagerly; for he realized 
that the occasion he had been so anxiously looking 
forward to was now near at hand. 

“ They ain’t no other way,” the keeper observed. 


252 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

drily. ‘‘No boat’d live in that sea, even if we 
could launch one, which , I take it there ain’t a 
life-savin’ crew along the whole coast could do bet- 
ter than my men. But we can work the other game 
all right, if so be the wreck ain’t too far out. If 
that happens to be the case all I got to say about it 
is. Heaven help them as are aboard her ! ” 

As the light grew steadily stronger, though noth- 
ing to boast of at the best. Bob saw that the en- 
tire crew had commenced to make ready to go out 
into the storm. 


CHAPTER XXVII 


FIRING THE WRECK-GUN 

‘‘ Lively now, boys ! ” cried Captain Lon, and his 
tones were sharp and crisp, like the crack of a whip. 
“Lively, every one of you! There's hard work 
ahead of us I " 

Bob and the others were ready on the instant. 
Oil-skins were donned, rubber boots pulled well up 
on sturdy thighs, and the yellow hats tied beneath 
the chin, that they might not blow away. 

“Out with the gun!” ordered the captain. 
“ Take along a couple of extra shot, too. We may 
lose one ! ” 

In the room adjoining the living apartment of 
the station was the beach cannon, with its apparatus. 
On a small two-wheeled cart, with broad tires so 
that it would not sink in the sand, was carried the 
gun, the hawsers, cables, the shot and the big shears, 
or wooden upright, on which the rope is raised high 
enough to take it above the waves. 

In almost less time than it takes to tell it the life- 
savers were on their way up the beach, keeping as 
253 


254 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

much as possible on the firm sand, and dragging 
their apparatus with them. 

“ Let us know when we get to where you saw the 
light, Ben! ” called the captain. 

“ Aye, aye, sir I ” was the answer. 

They worked their way along through the storm 
for half a mile more, and then Ben shouted : 

About here. Cap I '' 

“All right. Get ready, men! Can any of you 
sight her? 

They all peered through the mist and flying 
spray. 

“ I think she's there," said Bob. “ I can see a 
black spot out there." 

“ That's her, likely. Now if we can only get a 
line to her ! Lively, men ! " 

Quickly the men took their appointed stations. 
Two of them dug a great pit in the sand. This was 
where the anchor would be buried to hold the shore 
end of the heavy hawser, once it had been pulled 
aboard the vessel and made fast. 

Captain Lon himself saw to the loading of the 
gun. Into the yawning muzzle of the short, squat 
little mortar he dropped the red flannel bag of 
powder. 

“I'm going to give her a double charge!" he 
cried. 

“ Look out you don't tear the shot off the line I " 
cautioned one of the men. 


Firing the Wreck-Gun 255 

“ WeVe got to take that risk,” was the answer. 
‘‘ She’ll need a double load to carry agin’ this wind.” 

Once the powder was in, there was put on top of 
it the long, cylindrical piece of iron, or shot, to the 
outer end of which was fastened a long, thin, but 
very strong line. It was this line it was hoped to 
shoot out to the ship, and by means of it the heavier 
cable could be hauled aboard. 

Beside the cannon, on the sand, was a box con- 
taining this line, and it was coiled in a peculiar man- 
ner so that it would not foul when payed rapidly out 
by the hurtling shot. 

Got that anchor buried ? ” cried the captain, 
sharply 

“ Almost,” was the answer. 

“ Some of you lend a hand ! ” commanded the 
chief. “ We’re losing time.” 

Many shovels soon piled enough sand on the 
shore anchor to hold it against the weight of those 
whom it was hoped to save. Then with the shears 
in readiness to raise the hawser above the tossing 
waves, the captain made ready to fire. 

He sighted the mortar as well as he could in 
the semi-darkness. Then, through the touchhole he 
ran the steel that punctured the power bag, and let 
the grains flow out in readiness for the primer. 
The primer, or what corresponded to the percus- 
sion cap, was adjusted, and the captain took hold 
of the string. 


256 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

“All ready!” he called. 

“ All ready ! ” answered his men. 

There was a little snapping sound as the primer 
went off, followed by a dull boom as the charge 
in the mortar exploded. 

Then Bob saw the weight shoot out, carrying the 
line with it. 

Would it reach the vessel? 

A groan from Captain Lon answered Bob. 

“ She fell short 1 ” said the commander. “ Haul 
her back, boys! We’ll try again. More powder 
and more elevation ! ” 

The line was hauled in, and then the wisdom of 
taking along extra shot was seen, for the first one 
had veered off in the sea. 

Quickly the line was again coiled in its criss- 
cross fashion, while the mortar was loaded again, 
and the new weight or shot made fast. 

Captain Lon changed the position of the cannon, 
at the same time elevating the muzzle to make it 
carry higher, and farther. 

While the men stood expectantly about, he got 
out a larger bag of the powder, from the water- 
proof box. This was rammed home, and the shot 
dropped in on top of it. Again was the bag punc- 
tured, and the primer inserted. 

“ This is the time she goes ! ” cried the captain, 
grimly. It was getting a little lighter now, and 
he could see better. 



Boom ! 


The mortar bore its message of cheer to those 

on the doomed vessel. [See page 257] 



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Firing the Wreck- Gun 


257 


Boom! 

The mortar bore its message of cheer to those 
on the doomed vessel. 

Out shot the weight, and again the line was 
carried over the heaving waves. Out and out it 
spun from the box that held it until there was hardly 
any left. 

“If that doesn't go — ” said the captain, but it 
seemed to have reached the ship, which had been 
slung around until she lay almost broadside to the 
beach, making the attempt more easy. 

Bob well knew what would now follow, in case 
the line had gone across. The sailors would haul 
until they had received the board on which were 
printed instructions in French and English. Of 
course these instructions are not always necessary, 
but the government was taking no chances. The 
directions read: 

‘‘Make the tail of the block fast to the lower 
mast, well up. If the masts are gone, then to the 
best place you can hnd. Cast off shot line, see that 
the rope in the block runs free, and show signal to 
the shore.'' 

As soon as the signal is seen that this has been 
done a three-inch hawser is bent on to the whip, 
and hauled off to the vessel by the life-saving crew, 
possibly assisted by some of those on board, if the 
circumstances admit. 


258 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

When the end of this reliable hawser is hauled 
in by those on the imperiled vessel, a tally-board 
will be found attached, bearing the following direc- 
tions, also in both languages, one on the front and 
the other on the back : 

Make this hawser fast about two feet above the 
tail block; see that all is clear ^ and the rope in the 
block runs free, and show signal to the shore 

That was the next thought of all. Would the 
signal come from the vessel to show that the line 
had gone aboard? 

Eagerly Bob looked at the slender line that meant 
so much to those in peril. It had ceased paying 
out now, and extended from its box, down the 
sands, and into the heaving waters. 

There was a moment of intense anxiety. 

Had they failed, only to try again? 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


A HERO OF THE STORM 

‘‘Thar’s the signal; they’ve got the line fast 
somehow ! ” shouted Thad Wappinger, close to 
Bob’s ear. 

The young life-saver guessed this much for him- 
self, because he had been able to make out a single 
figure waving what appeared to be his hat around 
his head in a violent fashion, as though this might 
be the captain of the fruit steamer, and he knew 
what was expected of him. 

Apparently Captain Lon had seen the same thing, 
only more distinctly, through his excellent marine 
glasses. At any rate his actions indicated as much ; 
for turning to some of his men he shouted : 

Make sure the line is fast to the tail block of 
the whip, for they’re ready to pull it aboard ! ” 

“ Aye, aye. Captain ! ” called back Charles Coon. 

Quickly the line began to drag, as eager hands 
aboard the imperiled vessel tugged with might and 
main. The whip block was drawn into the raging 
sea, and continued to travel until it must have fallen 
259 


26 o Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

into the possession of those whom they hoped to 
save. 

A few minutes elapsed, during which they were 
doubtless finding some convenient place where the 
whip block, and also the heavy hawser that was 
to follow, could be securely attached. 

“ There, he’s at it again ! ” shouted one of the 
life-savers. 

It was true that the man on board seemed to 
be signaling once more. This they understood to 
mean that, having the whip block fastened, they 
were now ready for the hawser, which Charles 
Coon had bound to the rope that passed freely 
through that same block, now far out on the 
stranded steamer. ' 

The sturdy men on the beach hauled away, and 
the big hawser, on which so much depended, began 
to pass along. Perhaps some of the sailors aboard 
also lent a hand, as was only right, for it took 
considerable pulling to cause a three-inch rope to 
travel through the billows that fought it with such 
savage force. 

Meanwhile, and with all their hard and frantic 
work — work that would mean the saving of precious 
human lives — the coast-guards cast anxious glances 
now and then out to where the craft lay — a sodden 
wreck, with the great seas breaking over her, and 
often hiding her from sight. 

Bob, pausing a moment to get his breath, shielded 


A Hero of the Storm 261 

his eyes with his hands, to keep, if possible, the 
flying spray and spume out of them, and tried to 
peer and see if all was going as well as possible 
aboard the doomed craft. 

Can you see anything, Bob? ” asked Asa Barnes, 
as he passed our hero. 

“ Not much, Asa, for a fact. It’s pretty thick out 
there.” 

Yes, lad, but not nigh as thick as though we had 
a fog. Ah, them are the times when it is hard — 
when you can’t see two yards afore you, and you 
have to peer and peer until you feel your eyes strain- 
ing out of your head. Thank fortune there’s no fog 
to hamper us, whatever else there is ! ” 

But if there was a fog there wouldn’t be any 
wind, Asa, and that would be a good thing. It’s the 
wind now that’s making the most of the trouble, 
kicking up such a sea.” 

I know, lad. But we’ve workedjn worse seas 
than this.” 

“Then you don’t call this bad?” asked Bob in 
surprise, for just then there came a fiercer blast of 
the gale, and he had to bend his body to it, while his 
sou’wester, tied as it was under his chin, came close 
to being blown out into the heaving waves that 
rushed up the beach sand as though they would tear 
the shore bodily away and swallow it up. 

“ It may seem bad to you,” went on Asa, “ and 
I’m not sayin’ but what it is bad, but you should see 


262 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

some storms we have here ! I remember once ’’ 

But Asa’s remembrance was interrupted by the 
hoarse voice of Captain Lon crying : 

Look lively lads ! There’s a kink in that 
hawser! Straighten it out quick, or the poor souls 
aboard will think we’ve deserted ’em when they find 
they can’t help haul it aboard any longer.” 

Bob and Asa jumped to aid. The wind had 
whipped a kink in the big rope, and that, with the 
shifting sand, had fouled it, so that it no longer paid 
out freely. 

Bear a hand ! ” bawled the captain. It won’t 
do to have this go wrong ! Bear a hand — every man 
that can ! ” 

Willingly and eagerly the brave life-savers 
jumped at the word of command. With skillful, if 
roughened, fingers the guards worked eagerly to 
straighten the rope. It had ceased to pay out, and 
those aboard the wreck no longer helped to pull on 
it to make it fast to the ship. Evidently they knew 
something was wrong. 

‘‘ That’s better ! ” cried Captain Lon, as the 
hawser was once more in readiness. ''Now if 
they’ll only pull.” 

He ran down until he stood thigh-deep in the 
rough water, and shouted through his trumpeted 
hands : 

" Pull ! Pull ! Ahoy aboard the wreck ! Pull ! 
She’s all right now ! Pull for your lives! ” 


A Hero of the Storm 263 

It is doubtful if his voice carried half way to the 
stranded wreck, so powerful was the gale and so 
thunderous the pounding of the surf on the beach. 
Anxiously the men looked toward the ship. 

The cable ran down the sand, and stretched out 
into the water, like some long, thin serpent. 

All eyes were on this now, for on it depended the 
saving of those aboard the wreck. 

“Is all clear, Charles?” cried Captain Lon to 
Charles Coon, who was looking over the apparatus 
to see if any more trouble was likely to arise. 

“ All clear ! Aye, aye, sir ! ” Charles cried above 
the roar of the fierce storm. 

“ Then pull, men ! ” yelled the captain. “ As soon 
as those on the wreck see the rope moving through 
the tail block, they’ll know all is well again, and 
they’ll help pull, too ! ” 

Indeed, help was needed to get that rope — three 
inches in diameter — through the pounding seas. 
The waves caught and dragged at it as though they 
would tear it loose from the smaller rope to which 
it was fastened. Aye, even the tail block itself 
might be ripped from where it was made fast to 
part of the wreck. And should this happen it would 
mean that all the work of firing the mortar would 
have to be done over again. 

But now matters seemed to be going better. The 
hawser paid out slowly, as those on the beach hauled 


264 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

on the rope that was rove through the tail block, or 
pulley. 

“ Now she’s all right! ” cried Bob, joyfully. 

‘‘Yes, they’re bearing a hand!” said Asa, who 
pulled beside Bob. “ I can tell by the feel of it. 
They’re helping, too ! ” 

And indeed, aboard the wreck the brave men 
were doing all in their power to assist. As the life- 
savers pulled in unison, and stopped automatically 
to get a fresh pulling grip, they could feel, in the 
intervals, that another force was also hauling on the 
hawser. 

“ Watch out, some of you, to see that she doesn’t 
foul again ! ” directed Captain Lon. 

“ Aye, aye, sir ! ” cried Ezra Carpenter. “ She’ll 
not kink again. She’s mostly paid out ! ” 

Even in all the wild excitement of the gale, and 
with his heart thumping like a hammer within his 
breast, from the exertion and the thought of what 
he was about to witness. Bob could not help think- 
ing of a simple scene he had witnessed while on his 
way to become a life-saver. 

This was the sight of a woman, in a tall tenement 
house near which his train had passed, hauling on a 
pulley clothes line, fast to a high pole in the yard. 
The clothes line was an endless one, and was rove 
through a pulley just like, only smaller, the tail 
block that had been sent off to the wreck. And 
indeed I can give you, who have never seen it, no 


A Hero of the Storm 


265 

better idea of how the life-savers worked than to use 
the illustration of a woman pulling on an endless 
clothes line, running through a pulley. In such a 
manner, after the small line had been shot off to the 
ship, was the big hawser hauled aboard. 

Queer I should think of that now,” mused Bob. 

He paused for a breath, now and then, as did all 
of the men, only to work with fiercer energy when 
once more they bent their backs and stretched their 
arms to the labor of saving lives. 

She — she ought to be out there by this time ! ” 
panted Captain Lon, as he looked to see how much 
of the hawser remained on the beach. There was 
very little. 

“Will it be long enough?” thought Bob, with 
sudden fear. 

There were times when Bob seemed to feel his 
heart in his throat, for he was almost sure some 
accident had happened, and the hawser had worked 
free from its piloting rope. 

But he took courage when he saw the sublime 
confidence exhibited by the captain and his right- 
hand man; for they knew that these slackenings 
were bound to occur, and had faith in the apparatus 
to meet the test to which it was being put. 

In the end it turned out that they were right, 
for the captain, still using his glasses, called out 
that those on the steamer seemed to be lifting the 
end of the heavy hawser aboard. 


266 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

They’ve got it, lads, and now get ready to 
send the breeches buoy at the next signal ; ” he 
bawled, at the top of his voice. 

Given a little time to make that hawser secure, 
just about two feet above where the tail block of 
the whip was fastened, and if no accidents hap- 
pened, the breeches buoy would be quickly traveling 
out over this rope bridge, to take on its first 
passenger. 

Bob was doing all he could to assist. He had 
pulled with his whole heart on the whip and the 
hawser; and now stood ready to help get the 
breeches buoy out to those who were in such sore 
need of assistance. 

It seemed an eternity before the captain could 
make out that for the third time the man aboard 
was again waving his hat as a signal that the hawser 
had been made secure. 

“ Let her go, boys ! ” he cried, excitedly ; and 
there was a hoarse cheer in reply; after which the 
life-saving appliance started to travel along the 
heavy rope, those in charge having tightened the 
same with the skill of men who had practiced this 
art over and over again, and knew just how to 
take in the slack; for the hawser must be kept as 
taut as possible, in order to prevent the passenger 
from sagging down into the waves too much, as 
he or she comes ashore. 

Of course with such a low beach to work from. 


A Hero of the Storm 267 

it would be impossible to wholly prevent such a 
thing, as might have been the case could the life- 
savers have had a bluff from which to send out 
the buoy. But if the passenger had been properly 
secured there was little danger of an accident, when 
the waves leaped up and deluged the traveling 
buoy. 

It was fortunate indeed that the atmosphere 
had cleared sufficiently by now for the keeper to 
see fairly well, because it was necessary that he 
keep in touch with all the movements of that man 
who was sending the signals; otherwise Bob and 
the other workers would not know when to pull 
so as to start the buoy ashore. 

Evidently those aboard the steamer were in con- 
stant fear that the vessel must break in two under 
the pounding of those great seas. They worked 
with rapidity; and presently Captain Lon, spring- 
ing to his men, seized hold of the line himself, 
shouting : 

Get this one ashore in a hurry, boys ! ” 

They knew from the tone of his voice that he, 
too, had seen some signs that the steamer was 
going to break before long. His experienced eye 
had been examining her condition, and no doubt 
he had detected a certain movement with every 
sweep of a billow that gave him grave fears. 

There she comes ! 

‘‘ Yes, there’s the buoy ! ” 


268 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Haul in quick now, men ! Steady all ! Give 
way there ! ” 

Thus came the eager cries as Bob and the others 
worked frantically to save the first life from the 
wreck. 

‘‘ It’s a woman ! ” someone gasped. 

And a baby with her ! ” cried Bob. “ Look — a 
baby!” 

It seemed incredible, but it was true. The 
woman, the only one aboard with a baby, had been 
put into the buoy, clasping her child in her arms, 
and the two had been hauled ashore above 
the angry waves, the spray of which drenched 
them. 

“ Lively now, men ! Help her and the child out, 
and then haul the buoy’ back ! ” cried Captain Lon. 
“ We’ve got lots of work ahead of us yet! ” 

Tender hands assisted the woman out, and, with 
her babe still clasped to her breast, she was taken 
to a shelter house, where she would be revived with 
warm drinks. 

“ Haul away ! ” cried Captain Lon. “ Haul away, 
boys, and everybody on the jump ! ” 

Again they hauled the apparatus aboard, and once 
more came a mighty pull when another passenger 
was placed in the buoy. It proved to also be a 
woman; but in this case the wife of one of the 
steamer’s officers, who must have been accustomed 
to storms, for she displayed the utmost bravery. 













A Hero of the Storm 269 

refusing to leave the spot, and declaring it to be her 
intention to stand by, lending any assistance she 
could until every soul aboard the steamer, her 
husband of course included, was saved. 

From her the captain learned that there were no 
more women aboard save a stewardess, who would 
come next, no doubt; though the poor thing had 
nearly collapsed at the prospect of being compelled 
to trust herself in that frail buoy, with the sea 
underneath apparently eager to seize its prey. 

There were fully two dozen and more men, 
though some she believed must have been lost dur- 
ing the period of horror immediately after they 
struck, and when a panic had occurred, everybody 
believing that the steamer was about to break up at 
once, in the darkness of the night. 

As yet no bodies had come ashore, though when 
there was time to make a strict search doubtless 
the life-savers would find these. It was always a 
policy with Captain Lon to have his men accomplish 
this gruesome task before any of the wreckers were 
around, so that there might be no suspicion at- 
tached to the beach combers in the way of taking 
valuables from the unfortunates who had lost their 
lives. There are ghouls in nearly every coast com- 
munity, to whom the desire to take possession of 
money found under such circumstances is irresist- 
ible ; and the keeper of Wyamoke Station felt that it 


270 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

was a part of his duty to remove this temptation 
as much as possible. 

The stewardess was brought safely ashore, 
though she had swooned; and only for the rope 
that secured her to the traveling buoy, must have 
fallen into the waiting sea. 

“ Take her up to the house, boys ! ’’ called Captain 
Lon to several other men who had gathered to 
watch the work of life-saving. 

I’ll go with her, poor thing ! ” offered the 
woman who had been the second to come ashore. 

I’ll take care of her ! ” 

“ That’s the way to talk ! ” cried Captain Lon. 
** Come on now, boys ! She’s breakin’ up fast, and 
we haven’t any time to waste! Git busy! Here, 
Bob, over here ! ” and he signaled to our hero to 
take his station near him. 

Haul away ! ” came the order again. Bob being 
proud that he had been called to stand at his captain’s 
side. 

Again and again did those brave workers send 
that faithful messenger back and forth, each time 
bringing a new passenger. Their arms grew stiff 
with the labor, yet nothing would permit them to 
give up. When some of the rescued sailors evinced 
a desire to give a lift. Captain Lon gladly availed 
himself of the chance to let several of his exhausted 
men get a temporary rest. Nothing could drive 
the eager Bob away from the work, for he was 


!A Hero of the Storm 


271 

having the time of his life, assisting to get those 
poor fellows ashore, after many of them had about 
given up all hope. 

‘‘ There’s one passenger out there still,” a sea- 
man shouted to Captain Lon, in the hearing of 
Bob ; “ but they can’t coax him to come yet. He 
says as how he was a sea captain himself and so 
he’s bound to wait till everybody’s gone but 
the skipper. Then, next to last, he’ll take his 
turn.” 

“ I take off my hat to him as a brave man ! ” 
called back the keeper, who knew what it meant 
to exhibit such a fine spirit when the opportunity 
to save one’s own life was at hand. Only a gallant 
nature could display such a noble front. 

At last it was said by one seaman when he came 
ashore that there were only the two captains left; 
and that it was an open chance whether they could 
be gotten to land before the break came, for the 
steamer was pitching frightfully, with ominous 
groanings all the while. 

When the breeches buoy came ashore the next 
time, to the astonishment of the life-savers it bore 
a very angry man, who turned out to be the captain 
of the steamer. 

He picked me up as if I was a baby, and putting 
me in the breeches buoy, began to pull at the rope 
until I was too far gone to think of getting back,” 
he gasped in his excitement. Said I had a wife 


272 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

and kiddies at home, while never a soul there was 
to shed a tear for him ! It’s monstrous ! What will 
my people say when they hear that I wasn’t the last 
one to leave my own vessel ? But get busy and send 
the buoy out to him, boys. That gallant old man 
mustn’t be left to die there in my place ! ” 

Indeed, he was so excited by the mere thought, 
that he laid hold himself, though weakened by all 
he had endured, and persisted in trying to help them 
send the breeches buoy, that had already done such 
splendid work that day, once more out along the 
hawser by means of the traveling block. 

It reached the steamer, because Captain Lon 
could see the lone figure of the brave old man 
working at it. Then he made a signal, and with a 
shout the keeper of Wyamoke Life-saving Station, 
more excited than Bob had even seen him, urged 
his men to pull for all they were worth; because 
he knew from the fatal signs that at any moment 
now the dreaded catastrophe was about to come 
about. 

His worst predictions were confirmed, for they 
had not succeeded in dragging the buoy more than 
two- thirds of the way to the shore when the captain 
gave a loud shout. At the same time the big haw- 
ser collapsed, falling into the sea as the steamer 
broke in two; and the human occupant of the 
breeches buoy seemed in dire danger of being 
drowned. 


CHAPTER XXIX 


A STRANGE MEETING 

For a moment the accident, coming as it did, 
just when success seemed assured, unnerved every- 
one. They all stood helpless, looking off into the 
boiling sea that was rapidly swallowing up what was 
left of the steamer, and then at the limp rope, to 
which must be clinging, in a smother of foam, the 
brave old sailor who had been the last to leave the 
vessel. 

Then Captain Lon, springing forward, cried: 

‘‘ Pull, men, pull ! It’s our last and only chance ! 
We’ve got to haul him ashore the best way we can! 
Grab hold of that hawser, and yank him in! ” 

“ Aye, aye, sir ! ” chanted Bob. “ Come on, 
fellows!” 

The life-savers needed no urging. As one man 
they leaped to grasp the now limp hawser, and a 
second later were hauling it in from the sea, hand 
over hand, seeking to tell, by the weight and feel 
whether there was a human being on the other end. 

There was just a chance that the sailor, who had 
273 


274 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

preferred to be the last to leave the steamer, might 
still be clinging to the breeches buoy, or he might 
have seen the coming of the end, and have lashed 
himself fast. In this case he could be brought 
ashore. But could he live in all that wild riot of 
water, through which he must be pulled, his head 
beneath it most of the time? That was a question 
each man was asking himself. 

‘‘ How about it ? ” panted Bob, as he stood be- 
side his captain. Do you think he’s stih there ? ” 

“ I — I think so, boy,” was the hesitating answer. 
“ I can feel a weight and drag on the rope, but — 
maybe it’s only a mass of seaweed, or a bit of the 
wreck! ” 

‘‘ Oh, if only we can save him ! ” gasped Bob. 

‘‘ Pull ! Pull ! ” cried Captain Lon, and, hand 
over hand, he, Bob and the others hauled in on the 
rope. In it came, piling up in curled wet masses 
on the storm-swept sands. Out from the sea it 
came, like some writhing snake. 

‘‘ There he is ! ” someone shouted. “ There he 
is!” 

Through the mist of spray Bob peered, and saw, 
in the heaving, foam-capped billows, the form of a 
man clinging to the breeches buoy. With des- 
perate hands the sailor was clinging, as to a last 
hope. If he had lashed himself fast the lashings 
were now loose, and only his own grip kept him 
from being washed off into the deeper water. 


A Strange Meeting 275 

“ Pull men, pull ! ” cried the captain, but the life- 
savers needed no urging. Frantically they hauled 
in on the rope. 

Suddenly Bob gave a great cry. 

“ He’s off ! He let go ! Stop dragging on that 
rope ! ” 

In an instant the boy had dropped his hold of 
the hawser, and had sprung forward. He had seen 
the sailor being swept away from the life-line, and 
he knew what that meant. Out into the boiling surf 
waded Bob, and before the receding wave could 
wash the inert body away the boy had grasped the 
clothing. 

Come on!” cried Bob. ‘‘We’ve got to save 
him this way!” 

The men understood in an instant, and, dropping 
the rope, leaped to the side of Bob. And greatly 
he needed their help, for with the sea tugging to pull 
away from him the unconscious form of the man 
he was trying to save, and with the treacherous 
undertow gripping him, our hero was in a dire 
plight. But he would not let go. 

Securing a better grip on the unconscious form, 
Bob, taking advantage of an incoming billow, started 
to wade back up the beach. Before he had taken 
three steps he was overwhelmed by a rush of green 
water. He struggled against it, but found himself 
being sucked back — he and the form he bore. 

“ Help ! ” he managed to cry, but his mouth was 


276 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

filled with salt water and his voice died away in a 
mere gurgle. 

Come on, men ! ” cried Captain Lon. '' Grab 
hands — a human chain ! That’s what we need ! ” 

It was done on the instant. One man made of 
himself an anchor, high up on the sand. The others, 
forming in line, clasped hands, one with the other, 
ending with Captain Lon, who rushed into the 
smother of salty spray and spume. 

Lm coming. Bob! Tm coming!” cried the 
sturdy captain. ‘‘ Hold on to him! ” 

Bob heard, but could not answer. But he gripped, 
all the tighter, the burden he bore, and tried to 
brace his feet in the shifting sands. 

Then, as the human chain stretched out, the 
sturdy hand of the captain gripped the boy, and 
the word was called: 

Pull in!” 

And pull in the men did. With all their might 
they heaved against the tearing grip of the stormy 
sea. LFp the beach they pulled Bob and the figure he 
still grasped. Up the beach, out of the swirling 
waves, until they were safe among the sand dunes 
and somewhat sheltered from the ripping wind. 

''Good boy. Bob! You have him!” cried the 
captain. 

" Yes,” panted Bob, for his breath was nearly 
spent. "I have him. But — ^but is he alive?” 

A look at the inert and water-soaked form on 


A Strange Meeting 277 

the beach seemed to give answer that he was dead. 
But Captain Lon was not the one to give up. 

Get him to the house right away ! ’’ was the 
order. “ We’ll soon see. It was a close call, Bob, 
but you got him ! ” 

“ I wouldn’t have — only for you,” said the boy, 
in a low voice. 

Ordering some of his men to patrol the storm- 
swept beach on the chance of rescuing other un- 
fortunates, Captain Lon, with Bob and some of 
the others, carried the unconscious form to the 
shelter house. Then began the hard work of coax- 
ing back, into the inert body, the little spark of life 
that might lurk somewhere. 

.Using the regular means of inducing respiration. 
Bob and Captain Lon, as well as his men, worked 
by turns over the old sailor. It seemed almost 
hopeless. 

Indeed Bob, wiping a suspicious mist from his 
eyes, looked toward Captain Lon, and whispered: 

“ I guess it’s too late ! ” 

No! No! ” fiercely exclaimed the veteran life- 
saver. He breathes ! See, he breathes ! ” 

And it was so. A tremulous breath passed the 
lips of the unconscious man, and from then on the 
lungs took up their work. He was breathing nat- 
urally. He was on the road to life once more. 

Hot blankets in a dry bed, with bottles of hot 
water to further raise the temperature, were the 


278 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

next means tried, and in a short time the doctor, 
who had been summoned, gave it as his opinion that 
the seaman would live. He was still very weak and 
faint, however, from his buffeting by the sea. 

The other rescued ones had been looked after, 
and Captain Lon, wishing to send word to the rel- 
atives of the sailor Bob had rescued, began looking 
through the pockets of the sodden clothes, for some 
address. 

Among other things was found a small memo- 
randum book, enclosed in a water-proof case, and on 
opening this, a name was discovered. 

Bob, who was looking over the captain’s shoulder, 
was startled to read: 

'^Captain Thomas A. A. Morgan. Bark Mary 
Ellen. Baltimore, Mdf' 

Why — why ! ” gasped Bob, before he thought 

Captain Lon turned quickly to the boy. 

Did you know him? ” he asked. 

‘‘ No, not exactly,” was the slow answer, but I 
know of him. Unless I’m mistaken this is the same 
Captain Morgan of whom Captain Osgood spoke.” 

“ What ! The Captain Osgood you mentioned — 
the one you pulled from in front of a train?” 
demanded the wondering life-saver. 

‘‘ The same one,” replied Bob. ‘‘ That was his 
name ! ” 


A Strange Meeting 279 

Well, if this don’t beat the Dutch ! ” cried Cap- 
tain Lon. “ Things do turn out funny in this 
world. But we’ll make sure, Bob, as soon as he 
can talk.” 

But great as was the curiosity of Bob and Captain 
Lon, they had to restrain it until the next day, 
since the doctor would not let them question the 
old sailor. Finally, however, after some nourishing 
broth had been given, and some restorative med- 
icine, Bob and Captain Lon were admitted to the 
room where the rescued man lay. He was weak, 
but his eyes were bright, and he showed wonder- 
ful recuperative powers for so aged a man. 

‘‘ I — I can’t thank you enough, now, for what 
you did for me,” he said, with a smile. ‘‘ But 
maybe I can — sometime.” 

“ You needn’t try,” spoke Bob, clasping the hand 
that was held out to him. “ Are we right in calling 
you Captain Morgan ? ” 

That’s my name. Captain Thomas A. A. 
Morgan.” 

Late commander of the Mary Ellen? ” went on 
Bob. 

Yes, but how — ” 

“We were looking through your effects, to see 
to whom to send some word about you,” explained 
Captain Lon, holding out the memorandum book. 
“ We saw your name, and my friend here,” he 
nodded at Bob, “ wants to ask you some questions.” 


280 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

All right,” assented Captain Morgan, with a 
nod. Go ahead.” 

“ Do you know a Captain John Osgood? ” asked 
Bob. 

Surely. He sailed as mate with me on the 
Mary Ellen. But he was swept overboard and lost 
in the hurricane that destroyed my ship.” 

No ! ” exclaimed Bob eagerly, '' excuse me, but 
he was not lost ! ” 

‘‘ Not lost! ” and Captain Morgan sat up in bed. 

He was picked up at sea,” Bob went on to 
explain, and when I met him, not long ago, and 
chanced to pull him out of the way of a railroad 
train, he told me his story. A sad one it was too, 
for he said all his life’s savings — five thousand 
dollars — were lost with the Mary Ellen.” And 
Bob told the story as he had heard it. 

Ha I ” exclaimed Captain Morgan. “ Then 
here’s where you and he are wrong. Captain Os- 
good’s five thousand dollars aren’t lost 1 ” 

‘‘What do you mean?” asked Bob, wondering 
if the rescued man’s mind was wandering because 
of his sufferings. “ His money not lost when the 
ship went down ? ” 

“ That’s another tnistake I ” said Captain 
Morgan. “ The ship didn’t founder, and go down, 
as Osgood thought it did when he was swept away. 
The Mary Ellen was nigh to it, however, but she 
managed to stagger on through the gale, and kept 


A Strange Meeting 281 

afloat for another day after poor Osgood left us, — 
forever, as we thought. 

“ Finally we were blown upon a rocky reef, near 
a small island just off Porto Rico, and there the 
bark was left high, if not dry, when the sea went 
down. She was firmly fixed on the rocks, and there 
she is to this day — if the natives haven’t pulled her 
to pieces.” 

You don’t mean it! ” cried Bob. 

‘‘ Oh, but I do,” insisted Captain Morgan. And 
her going on the rocks, that way, was probably the 
saving of me and what was left of my crew. We 
were taken off by the natives when the waves went 
down, and kindly treated. Then I came on North, 
and I was traveling as a passenger on this steamer 
when this storm came. -I seem to be running into 
storms lately.” 

“But what about Captain Osgood’s money?” 
asked Bob. 

“ As I said, it must still be in the wreck. If he 
hid it in a secret compartment in his stateroom, as 
you say he did, it isn’t likely that the wrecking na- 
tives have discovered it, for they would only take 
the metal work off the ship. They wouldn’t bother 
to break her up for just the wood, and the sea hasn’t 
quite pounded her to pieces yet. 

“ So you see there’s a very good chance that the 
five thousand dollars is still in the wreck, and it 
ought to be easy to get at.’^ 


282 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Bob gave a surprised whistle, and started from 
the room. 

Where are you going? ’’ asked Captain Lon, in 
wonder. 

‘‘ Tm going to send a telegram to Captain Osgood, 
telling him of his good fortune! ” cried the young 
life-saver. 

Bob scarcely knew what to wire to the old sea 
captain, who had, doubtless, long before this, given 
up all hope of ever seeing his money again. 

‘‘ But I think I can get it for him,” mused Bob, 
on his way to the telegraph office. That is, I can 
tell him how to get it. But I must not be too posi- 
tive. Suppose, after all, it should not be there? 
That would be a terrible disappointment. I guess 
I’ll have to play foxy, and just give him a hint to 
say that there is a faint chance of getting back his 
little fortune. Then, if it fails, he won’t be much 
more broken up than he is now. Yes, I’ve got to be 
careful.” 

He thought of the pathetic figure of the poor 
sailor, who had allowed himself to get so weak from 
hunger, rather than beg, that he had endangered 
his own life under the train. 

“ I must be careful not to shock him,” thought 
Bob, as he wrote out the telegram. He had to make 
several attempts before he had it finished to his 
satisfaction, and even after the agent began ticking 


A Strange Meeting 283 

it ofiF, the youth wished he had worded it differently. 
But it was too late then. 

“ ril just let it go at that, and trust to a later 
explanation by letter,” Bob thought. 

In substance, he had said in the message, that he 
had received unexpected news of the money left in 
the Mary Ellen and he asked Captain Osgood if it 
would be possible for him to come on and make a 
trip to San Juan. Of course it might have been 
possible for the aged captain to wire to some one 
near the scene of the wreck instructions as to how 
to get at the hidden wealth, but there was also the 
possibility that the request would fall into dishonest 
hands. 

Then, too. Captain Morgan had spoken of natives 
in the vicinity of the place where the Mary Ellen 
was wrecked. And these natives could hardly be 
relied upon. They might be honest, or they might 
not. At any rate, even if Captain Osgood could 
get some reliable person to go and search for the 
hidden money, the news of what was afoot might 
leak out, and the treasure hunters might be robbed. 

“ It’s best for him to go there himself,” reasoned 
Bob. 

He was all impatience waiting for an answer to 
his telegram, and one seemed long in coming. But 
really the time was short, when it is considered that 
Plattsburg, where Captain Osgood lived, was not in 
direct telegraphic communication with Wyamoke. 


284 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

And when the message did arrive Bob was rather 
surprised at the contents of it. He read: 

“ Can not tell you how surprised and pleased I am. 
You are indeed a good friend to me. As you say, I 
will not build too much hope on it, but I think I can 
get my money. Now, dear friend, can not you go 
with me ? I would not like to go alone, and I would 
reward you well. Please say you will go with me.” 

Whew ! ” whistled Bob, as he read the message 
over a second time. ‘‘ Me go to Porto Rico ! I 
don’t see how it is possible, though I would give a 
lot to be able to go. But not for the sake of the 
reward ; no, sir ! I’d just like to see the place, and get 
out to that wreck. Yes, I sure would like to go ! ” 

'‘What’s that — go home?” interrupted a voice, 
for, hardly knowing what he did, Bob had spoken 
aloud. “You’re not getting homesick, I hope!” 
and Captain Lon came up behind our hero, as he 
held the fluttering telegram. 

“Homesick! Well, no, not exactly, though this 
makes me think of home,” answered Bob. “ Look 
here ! ” and he held out the message. 

“ Hum ! He wants you to go with him, I see, 
and help him hunt for his fortune.” 

“ And I wish I could go ! ” cried Bob, his eyes 
shining with excitement at the prospect. “ I 
wouldn’t ask anything better than to make that trip. 
It would be great ! Simply great ! ” 


A Strange Meeting 285 

“Well, why don’t you go?” asked Captain Lon, 
quietly. 

“ Go? Are you joking? ” 

“ I never was any more serious in my life. Bob.” 

“ But go ! The idea ! Here I am tied up in this 
life-saving business — not that I regret it — not for a 
moment!” he added, quickly. “I think it’s the 
finest calling in the world. Captain Lon. But I 
can’t get away. It’s out of the question.” 

“ Oh, is it?” asked the captain, and there was a 
curious note in his voice, as he looked quizzically at 
Bob. 

“ Of course it is. How could I get away? ” 

“ Wa’al, I have heard of such things as leaves of 
absence. Bob, my boy,” said the captain, with a droll 
wink at our hero. “ Especially for young fellers 
like you that’s got such influential friends at 
Washington. And Washington isn’t a half bad 
place to have influential friends — not half bad, 
Washington ain’t. I have heard of leaves of ab- 
sence, Bob — jest heard of ’em, you know,” and he 
winked more openly this time. 

“What do you mean?” demanded Bob, for he 
was of such an open, ingenuous and simple nature 
that he never “ thought around a corner.” He 
needed to have many things made plain to him. 

“ What do you mean about a leave of absence? ” 
he asked. 

“Just what I said,” went on the captain, this 


286 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

time more seriously. ‘‘ I mean that you ought to 
write to your uncle in Washington, and ask if you 
can’t have a little time off, to help your friend, 
Captain Osgood. Explain the whole circumstance 
to him, and, by the way, it wouldn’t be a bad idea 
to send him a little account of the wreck, though 
he’s probably seen it in the papers, for some of the 
reporters from the city have been pesterin’ the life 
out of me to tell ’em all how it happened, and how 
we rescued the folks. ‘We jest up and rescued 
’em,’ I told one young feller, ‘ same as we allers 
rescues ’em ! Now don’t bother me no more ! ’ 
That’s what I told him. 

“ But somethin’ of the rescue work we did here 
has got into the papers, and if your uncle sees it he’ll 
know you’ve been workin’ hard. Then when he 
lays your case — your application for leave of 
absence — before the proper board — it’ll come all 
the easier if he’s got something to back it up. Take 
my advice and ask for it.” 

“ I will ! ” decided Bob, and he did. There was 
some correspondence between his uncle and him- 
self, and then a delay, for matters do not move any 
too quickly at Washington sometimes, though com- 
pared with other governments ours is speed itself. 
But there had to be several letters written, an 
application made out in due form, setting forth all 
the various reasons why it was wanted, and much 
other red tape. But in the end Bob got what he 


A Strange Meeting 287 

desired — permission to absent himself, for a certain 
time, from the life-saving station at Wyamoke. 
And the time specified was ample for him to go to 
Porto Rico. 

His first act, after getting his leave, was to 
telegraph to Captain Osgood that he was coming on 
to Plattsburg and from there would go to San 
Juan with him. 

Back came a telegram from the aged sailor: 

“ Come on, and welcome. I can hardly wait to 
see you.” 

Bob’s trip to Plattsburg was without incident 
worth chronicling. He had some little time to wait 
at the same station where he had saved the life of 
Captain Osgood, and many were the memories that 
came to him as he walked up and down the plat- 
form. He wondered if the smart young man, who 
evidently had had some designs on our hero, had 
ever come back that way again. 

Bob received a rousing welcome at the humble 
little home where Captain Osgood lived with his 
relatives. 

‘‘ Oh, but it’s ^ood to see you again ! ” cried the 
aged seaman, as he clasped the hand of the young 
life-saver. Come right in. You don’t know how 
much good your news has done me. Come in, boy ! 
Come in!” 

‘‘ But suppose the good news should prove bad ? ” 


288 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

suggested Bob, who ever had in mind the possibility 
that, after all, the money might not be in the wreck. 

Well, I lost it once, and I can stand to lose it 
again — that is if I don’t get it,” answered Captain 
Osgood. But it’s made me almost young again, 
just to think of it.” 

“ Then you will enjoy the trip to Porto Rico,” 
suggested Bob. 

“ Indeed I will, boy ! It will do me good to get 
the smell of salt air again. In fact, if I could afford 
it, I’d fit out a sailing ship of my own and make the 
trip. But I guess, as it is, we’d better go as pas- 
sengers in a steamer.” 

“ I think so,” agreed Bob, with a smile. 

There was a little girl, Lucy, in the captain’s 
home, and Bob fell in love with her at once — a 
dainty little tot of about five years, who soon made 
friends with the young life-saver. 

Bob trotted her on his knee, and gave her in- 
numerable rides to Banbury cross, where the old 
lady jumped on many a white horse. Bob thought 
of his own sister, Janice, and then, if ever, since he 
had begun his career as a life-saver, he was home- 
sick. 

But the feeling soon passed away, for there was 
much to be done to prepare for the trip to San 
Juan, which was the nearest port to where the wreck 
of the Mary Ellen lay. 

Captain Osgood, since the loss of his money, was 
dependent on his relatives, but now, since there was 


A Strange Meeting 289 

a prospect of recovering his fortune, several of his 
friends came forward with enough money to finance 
the trip to Porto Rico. 

The captain wanted to pay Bob’s way, as well, but 
our hero would not hear of this, for his father had 
sent him money when he heard of the plans his son 
had made. 

Finally all was in readiness for the start. Captain 
Osgood had packed his “ dunnage bag and ditty 
box,” as he laughingly called them, in memory of 
his early days spent on the sea. As a matter of fact 
all he took was a very modern steamer trunk, and 
Bob had the same amount of baggage. 

They found that by journeying to New York 
they could get a steamer that would take them to 
Porto Rico in good time. It was Bob’s first trip to 
the metropolis, and he had two days, before the 
steamer sailed, to enjoy the sights. 

This he did to the utmost, and as Captain Osgood 
had friends in the big city, he looked them up, and 
he and Bob “ had the time of their lives,” as the 
aged man referred to it with a chuckle, afterward. 

Then came the day when they were to go aboard 
the Princess Marie, which was the name of the 
vessel that was to take them to Porto Rico. 

Clang! went the great gong, as the last arrivals 
came, and the final baggage was stowed aboard. 
Clang ! 

‘‘ Last bell ! All ashore that’s going ashore 1 ” 


290 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

cried the officers. All ashore that's going 
ashore ! ” 

There was a hurry and scurry. Hasty good-byes 
were said over and over again. The rail was lined 
with the passengers who were waving their hands, 
hats and handkerchiefs to those left behind. 

Bob and the Captain had some friends who had 
come to see then off, so they did not feel as lone- 
some as otherwise they might have done. 

Clang ! 

“ All ashore that's going ashore 1 " 

The big whistle blew, vibrating along the pier. 
The ropes of the gangplank were loosed. A fat 
man, who had almost missed the steamer, came 
puffing along, assisted by a messenger boy who was 
carrying his grip. He hurried up the gangplank. 

“ Close call, that ! " exclaimed Captain Osgood. 

“ Y es — ( puff ) — that's — ( puff ) — what — ( puff ) — 
it — (puff) — was!" agreed the fat man. 

Once more the gong clanged, again came the 
warning cry, and then the gangplank was pulled 
back onto the dock, and, with a prolonged screech of 
her big whistle, the Princess Marie started on her 
voyage. 


CHAPTER XXX 


THE MYSTERY SOLVED — CONCLUSION 

“ Do you think we’ll have any luck, Bob? ” 

I don’t know, Captain. ‘‘ It’s just as I said, a 
bare chance, and nothing more.” 

• I know it is. Bob. And, mind you, whatever 
happens, if we don’t find a cent of my money in that 
old hulk. I’ll never say anything but what I never 
can thank you enough for having helped me. Mind 
you that! ” 

I understand,” said the young life-saver. ‘‘ But 
I’m going to keep on hoping that the money’s there 
— until we get to the place and find that secret hid- 
ing place empty.” 

Bravo ! That’s the way to talk I I was feeling 
a bit downhearted, when I got to thinking of all the 
chances against us, but I’m not so any more. I’m 
sure we’ll find it. Bob.” 

The two were on the deck of the Princess Marie, 
which was now well down New York bay on the 
trip that meant so much to our two friends. The 
weather was fine, and looking at the shining sun 
overhead, for it was the noon hour, Captain Osgood 
had said it was a good omen. 

291 


292 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

“ It’s better to start in fair weather than foul, 
Bob,” he chuckled. We’ve got something on our 
side to begin with.” 

Every minute and detail of the trip was enjoyed 
by Bob, and he inspected all parts of the ship. For 
he thought the information thus gained might be of 
service to him in his chosen calling. The vessel 
looked strong and mighty, yet he had seen how 
one just as stanch had been made a plaything for 
the sea, and sent to her doom. 

When half way to San Juan they ran into a 
storm. In one way Bob was glad of this, for it gave 
him more experience, but he was sorry for Captain 
Osgood, who, in some ways, was like a child. 

“ Our good luck has deserted us,” complained the 
old seaman. 

Oh, no, it hasn’t ! ” laughed Bob, as he clung to 
a rail on the deck. This is only a little taste of 
what we life-savers get. Only this is the opposite 
end of it.” 

‘‘ We’re a good way from any life-savers, in 
case we happen to go down,” gloomily said a man 
standing near our friends. ‘‘ This is a terrible 
storm ! ” 

Oh, it might be worse,” spoke Bob. 

He was interested in watching how the sailors 
went about their work, and how, as much as possible, 
everything was made snug against the gale that 
howled through the rigging, and made strange and 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 293 

weird music over the aerials of the wireless system. 

But the gale blew itself out, and the passengers 
could come on deck and enjoy the fair weather. 

One feature of the ship that interested Bob very 
much was the wireless equipment. He made friends 
with the operator, who showed him how the wire- 
less waves were sent out from the generator con- 
trolled by a key. 

And then he let Bob listen, with the twin tele- 
phone receivers to his ears, while the apparatus was 
‘'•tuned in ” to catch the faint click that told of an- 
other ship talking to the Princess Marie. 

“ Who is it? ” asked Bob, who was able to catch 
part of the message, from having practiced on his 
and his brothers’ simple wireless outfit at home. 

“ Our sister ship, the Princess Ellen” was the 
answer of the operator. “ She is reporting all well 
on board, though she had a little trouble in the gale. 
I’ll talk to Kelly — he works the wireless on her.” 

Then he sat down to his instrument, and for a 
time Bob listened to the crack as the spark-gap 
wheel revolved, and looked at the bluish light that 
filled the little operating room. 

Other than the gale, the voyage to San Juan 
was uneventful, and in due season this Porto Rican 
harbor was reached. 

To Captain Osgood there was little new or 
wonderful in the scene, but to Bob everything was a 
delight. It was all so new and strange to him. He 


294 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

was interested in everything, from the natives to the 
buildings, and the different manner in which things 
were done from those to which he was accustomed. 

“ Now,” said Captain Osgood, when they had 
landed, the first place is to find a good hotel, and 
there we can make our plans.” 

Fortunately the old sailor had been in many ports, 
and San Juan was one of them, though it had been 
years before, during the time the island was under 
Spanish rule. 

There’s been a big improvement since Uncle 
Sam took hold,” he confided to Bob. 

Soon they were established in comfortable quar- 
ters, and were ready to proceed with their plan of 
trying to get the money hidden on the wreck of the 
Mary Ellen. 

How are you going to go about it? ” asked Bob. 

‘‘ We’ve got to get some sort of a craft to take us 
out there,” answered Captain Osgood. “ And the 
smaller the better.” 

“ Why? ” Bob wanted to know. 

“ Because we don’t want to take any more people 
on this trip than we have to. Matters down here 
are different from up our way. There is a great 
deal of poverty, and I suppose the crime that goes 
with it. Once a certain set of natives learned that 
there was money aboard that craft they would tear 
her up into kindling wood to get at it. We’ve got 
to be very careful.” 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 295 

Bob agreed with this, and he and Captain Osgood 
talked the matter over carefully and at some length. 

The night of their arrival was a festival in San 
Juan, and soon after dark the plaza about the hotel 
was a scene of gaiety. Bob and the old sailor went 
out to enjoy it, and strolled about, listening to the 
tinkle of innumerable guitars and the singing of 
Spanish love songs. It was a rare delight to the 
young life-saver, and Captain Osgood enjoyed it as 
well. 

That night, after getting back to their hotel at 
rather a late hour, for the Porto Ricans dislike to 
stop celebrating, once they begin, the captain said: 
Well, Bob, I think I have hit on a plan.” 

Glad to hear you say so ! What is it ? ” 

We must go out to the wreck in a motorboat, 
with one man.” 

But will that be safe? ” 

“ I think so. The weather is good now, and 
there will be hardly any sea on. Of course we’ll get 
a good sized motorboat — one that will ride the 
waves if we encounter any.” 

“ But will one man be enough of a crew ? ” Bob 
wanted to know. 

“ Yes. Then you and I can go aboard the wreck, 
while he stays in his craft. If we had two men one 
of them might follow us.” 

“ I see ! ” agreed Bob. “ It’s a good plan.” 

The proper motorboat was not hard to find along 


296 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

the water front, when Captain Osgood and our hero 
started out the next morning. But the captain was 
very particular about what sort of a man he 
engaged. Several times Bob thought they had come 
across the very best craft possible for their purpose, 
but the captain shook his gray head. 

I don’t like the looks of her skipper,” he said. 
‘‘ I wish I could get hold of some American. But 
they all seem to be Spanish ones here. However, 
we’ll do the best we can.” 

A little later they saw one of the best boats they 
had yet encountered. 

Now if there’s the right kind of a man aboard 
she’ll do,” murmured Captain Osgood. They 
walked toward the craft, and saw a pleasant- faced 
Spaniard coming out of the small cabin. 

Good day to you, senors ! ” he exclaimed, with 
a bow and a smile that showed his white, even teeth. 
‘‘ Are you pleased to go for a sail this beautiful 
day? ” 

What crew have you ? ” asked Captain Osgood. 

Crew ! Oh, I am the crew — I am the captain 
and the crew alike, at your sarvaice, senors! ” and 
he bowed and smiled engagingly. 

We’ll come aboard and look about,” decided 
Captain Osgood. “ But mind you,” he warned the 
man, that doesn’t mean we’ll take your boat.” 

“ Of a surely not, senor. You are welcome, and 
I hope to please you.” 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 297 

Bob liked the man, and so, apparently, did Cap- 
tain Osgood. 

The boat, too, met with the approval of the old 
sailor. He looked her over carefully, but when 
they came to the gasolene motor Captain Osgood 
appealed to Bob. 

“ Is she a good one ? ” he asked. 

“ Yes. It’s like some they use in the lifeboats,” 
was the answer. 

‘‘ That’s good enough for us. I think we’ll en- 
gage you. What is your name ? ” 

‘‘Miguel Fernandez — at your sarvaice, senor!” 
came with another low bow. 

“ Well, now, Fernandez, I’ll tell you what we 
want,” went on Captain Osgood. “ just come down 
in the cabin and shut the door. I’m not used to let- 
ting everyone hear my business, and I see two or 
three fellows hanging around the pier. I don’t like 
their looks either.” 

“ Oh, they are very fine fellows, senor,” said 
Fernandez, quickly. “ They are gentlemans all.” 

“ Well, there’s no need of them listening to my 
affairs. Now then,” he went on, as he closed the 
door, “ do you know anything about the wreck of 
the Mary Ellen?” and he looked sharply at the 
Spaniard. 

“The Marie Ellen!” was the retort, Fernandez 
giving the Latin pronunciation. “ Of a surely, yes. 
I know her to my sorrow ! ” 


298 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

How is that? ” 

“ I ran into her the other night in the dark, and 
sprung a leak in my boat. I have no liking for the 
Marie Ellen! '' 

“ Then if you ran into her you know where she 
lays,’’ said the old captain, eagerly. ‘‘ And you can 
take us out to her? ” 

‘‘ Oh, yes, of a surely I could, senors,” was the 
answer, “ but,” with a shrug of his shoulders, 
“ why do the Americanos wish to go to the wreck ? 
There is nothing of value aboard her. Why do you 
wish ^to go ? ” 

Oh, put it down to curiosity if you like,” said 
Bob, with a laugh. But is it safe to go out there 
in your boat?” 

‘‘ In daylight, yes, senor. I can put you aboard 
when the tide is right, and I can judge that well.” 

“ All right — then we’ll go ! ” decided Captain 
Osgood. When can you start ? ” 

Right away. The tide is at her best, and we 
can be back before dark.” 

‘‘All right! Cast off!” 

A little later Bob and Captain Osgood stood on 
the small deck of the motorboat, headed for the 
scene of the foundering of the Mary Ellen. 

“Is that the wreck?” asked Bob, pointing to a 
dark spot in the water. 

“ That is the American sheep, senor,” was the an- 
swer. “We shall be up to heem, presently.” 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 299 

‘‘ But can we go aboard ? that’s the question,” 
asked Captain Osgood. 

‘‘ Of a surely, senor. I have judged the time and 
tide right, as you shall see. But it is strange you 
wish to go aboard. There is not mooch to see, even 
for Americanos. The wreckers — they have stripped 
her clean.” 

‘‘ Well, I hope they didn’t get my money,” 
thought Captain Osgood, as he looked off toward 
where, held in a grip of rocks, near an island not 
far from Porto Rico, was what was left of the 
Mary Ellen. 

Fernandez was as good as his word, and soon had 
the motor craft close alongside the weather-beaten 
wreck. She had been much despoiled by the natives, 
but it was easy to get to her deck, the sea being very 
calm, and the motorboat putting into a sheltered 
cove. 

Well, senors, you are here,” announced Fer- 
nandez, as he made his craft fast. “ Now, will you 
go aboard ? ” 

“ Yes,” said Captain Osgood, “ we will. You’d 
better stay here, my friend,” he remarked to the 
Spaniard. ‘‘ I won’t be long. You see I used to be 
mate aboard this vessel, and I had a few keepsakes 
I’d like to get — if they are still here.” 

Fernandez shrugged his shoulders. 

“Ha! Keepsakes! The senor will be lucky if 
he finds them. The thieving natives have been 


300 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

swarming over the wreck like turkey buzzards over 
a dead horse. They have picked her bones clean.’' 

But Bob and Captain Osgood did not give up 
hope. They made their way on deck, and then, 
with the old sailor in the lead, they went below. 

“ This was my stateroom,” said the former mate, 
as they came to the cabin. “ There isn’t much left — 
that’s a fact.” 

Indeed the interior of the Mary Ellen was but a 
shell. 

Right in here I had all my things,” went on the 
old captain, and when I rushed out of here, for the 
last time, I clean forgot about my money.” 

‘‘ I only hope it’s here ! ” murmured Bob. 

We’ll soon see,” was the whispered comment. 

Captain Osgood went to a certain place in the 
bulkhead wall. His trembling fingers fumbled about 
for a few seconds, and he seemed at a loss. Bob 
was fearful for the effect disappointment might have 
on the old man. But he need not have worried. 

There was a click, as Captain Osgood pressed on 
a secret spring. Then, to Bob’s surprise, a seem- 
ingly solid piece of the wall slid back, and there was 
revealed a little recess. 

In shot the trembling hand of Captain Osgood, 
and when it came out his fingers clutched a package 
of yellow, oiled silk. 

There it is ! ” he cried. ‘‘ There it is ! ” 

‘‘ Hush ! ” cautioned Bob. ‘‘ He may hear you! ” 
and he nodded toward the Spaniard outside. 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 301 

Captain Osgood's hands trembled so that he could 
scarcely cut the strings that bound the packet, but 
when Bob had helped him, and they had opened it, 
there was revealed in the dim light of the dismantled 
cabin, a pile of bank notes. 

“ There they are ! ” hoarsely whispered the old 
captain. “ There’s my little fortune, safe and 
sound! Oh, thank the dear Lord, and thank you 
too. Bob Spencer ! ” and his eyes filled with tears. 

Pshaw ! I didn’t do anything,” protested Bob. 

It was all your good luck. Now come on, let’s 
get out of here. It may get rough, and this isn’t the 
safest place in the world 1 ” 

Concealing the package of bank notes in his 
pocket, the old captain, followed by Bob, made his 
way up on deck again ,and entered the motorboat. 

‘‘Well?” questioned Fernandez. “The keep- 
sakes — did you find them? ” 

“ Yes,” chuckled Captain Osgood, “ I found ’em 
all right.” 

“ The senor was very lucky. See, there come 
some more of the human buzzards to see if there is 
still anything on the bones of the wreck that they 
may take away.” 

He pointed to several native boats which were ap- 
proaching the ill-fated Mary Ellen. The craft con- 
tained a number of dark-skinned men. 

At the sight of one of them Bob started, and 
stared so that the attention of him at whom he was 


302 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

gazing was attracted to him. Seeing which Bob 
turned aside his head. And then he murmured to 
himself : 

“ Is it possible that he can be here? It certainly 
looks like him. I must make inquiries ! ’’ 

As Fernandez was maneuvering his craft to get 
out of the cove, the native boats approached nearer, 
and Bob, being careful not to look in the direction 
of the dark man at whom he had stared, whispered : 

I say, Fernandez, do you know any of those 
chaps ? 

Of a surety, yes, senor.’' 

“ Who is that biggest one, in the second boat — 
the one who is darker than the others? 

Oh, heem ? I do not know — ^but all the others 
I do. He must be a stranger. Why, do you know 
heem ? ’’ 

“ Maybe,’’ responded Bob evasively, but to him- 
self he said : If that isn’t Black Carlos I miss my 
guess. He must have come here after that smug- 
gling game fell through. Now if I can only tell the 
proper authorities, and have him arrested, it will 
be a good thing for Uncle Dave, for Uncle Sam, and 
Ja feather in my cap. Let’s see how I can work it.” 

Bob was unusually silent during the trip back to 
San Juan, but neither of the other men noticed it. 
Captain Osgood was too busy thinking of his for- 
tune, so strangely recovered; the fortune that had 
remained hidden from the prying natives. Fernan- 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 303 

dez was occupied with steering his boat, and won- 
dering at the queer Americanos who would pay him 
good money to bring them off to a wreck, merely to 
get keepsakes. Surely they were not right in their 
heads, but what was that to him, as long as he got 
his money? Of a surety, nothing. 

The young life-saver got busy, as soon as he was 
ashore again. He paid a visit to the customs office, 
and was closeted with the chief. 

Bob’s credentials, the fact that his uncle was high 
in authority at Washington, coupled with the news 
the lad brought, gained for him instant and close 
attention. He told as much of the story as was 
necessary, and expressed the belief that Black Car- 
los, for his own purposes, was standing in with the 
wreck-stripping natives. 

‘‘ Perhaps he is going to land a contraband cargo 
at the wreck, and take it off at some opportune 
time,” suggested Bob. 

“ I would not be a bit surprised if that were the 
case,” agreed the officer. “ I will have my men on 
the watch.” 

Which he did, to such good advantage, that, 
through a spy, it was learned that the man Bob sus- 
pected was really Black Carlos, and that he was 
planning to land some smuggled goods. 

A trap was laid for him, and as Bob had still some 
time left to remain in San Juan before taking a 
steamer home, he was invited to accompany the 


304 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

raiding party. Captain Osgood begged to be ex- 
cused. 

‘‘ I’ve had enough of the strenuous life,” he said. 
“ All I want to do now is to go home, tell the good 
news, and rest.” 

Bob, the customs officer, and some armed guards 
were hidden in the old wreck on the night Black 
Carlos had planned his trick. Everything worked 
well. As soon as some of the smuggled goods were 
brought aboard, and as soon as Black Carlos and 
his men were on the deck of the old wreck, they 
were set upon by the customs authorities. 

‘‘ Hands up ! ” called the officers, in Spanish, 
‘‘ We’ve got you ! ” 

“ And you can join Jose Lopez! ” added Bob. 

“ Lopez ! Who speaks of Lopez ! ” cried Carlos, 
fiercely, as he struggled, in vain, to get out of the 
grip of the officers. 

“I do! ” cried Bob, stepping into the glare of an 
electric torch. ‘‘ I do, Black Carlos ! I helped cap- 
ture your friend Lopez, and now I’m here to see you 
caught ! ” 

“Ha! That pig of a coast-guard!” spluttered 
Carlos, and he made a spring toward Bob. But he 
was held back. 

The other smugglers, once they saw their leader 
subdued, made no resistance, and all were soon 
lodged in jail. Bob received the thanks of the au- 
thorities, but he insisted that it was only a matter 
pf luck, which, in a sense, it was. 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 305 

Black Carlos, fleeing from the States after the 
capture of Lopez, had chosen Porto Rico as a. place 
for his illegal operations. And, after his capture, 
the mysterious smuggling of goods, which had baf- 
fled the authorities for some time, ceased, much to 
their gratification. 

The smugglers were tried, convicted, and sen- 
tenced to long terms. But, after all, Carlos and 
Lopez did not meet in prison, for the latter was in 
a federal institution up North, while Carlos was re- 
tained in Porto Rico, the scene of his latest exploits. 

“ Well, I guess there’s nothing more to keep us 
here,” remarked Bob to Captain Osgood, one day, 
after our hero had given his testimony against 
Black Carlos. 

“ No, Bob, and I’ll be anxious to get home again. 
My daughter, and little Lucy, will be waiting for 
me. And, thank the dear Lord, we won’t have to 
worry about the future, now,” added the old sailor, 
with feeling. 

The next day Bob and the captain sailed North, 
the packet of money carefully put away. In due 
time Captain Osgood reached Plattsburg, where he 
lived the rest of his life in comfort and ease, secure 
from the storms and stress of the sea. 

Of course Bob went back to the life-saving sta- 
tion, where he was warmly welcomed by his mates 
and Captain Lon. He found several letters waiting 
for him, one being from his mother, speaking about 
how well her watch kept time. 


3o 6 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

“ Huh ! That's sort of strange ! ” remarked Bob, 
and it remained a mystery to him until he read a 
letter from his brother Dave, who explained that, 
after a long search, he had found the watch where 
Bob had dropped it during the struggle. It had 
been stepped on, and trodden into the soft dirt. 
Dave had taken the time-piece to a jeweler’s, who 
repaired it so that it was better than ever. Dave 
wrote that only then had he told his mother the 
story. Mrs. Spencer had cried a little, but of course 
she had forgiven Bob. 

“ It’s queer, though,” wrote Dave, “ that you 
didn’t tell her yourself. Bob. She’s been thinking, 
all this while, that you had the watch — that is, until 
I gave it to her.” 

But I did write ! ” exclaimed Bob. That 
Caleb must have lost the letter I gave him to mail.” 
And when Caleb was asked about this, he confessed 
that such had been the case. The letter had been 
lost out of his pocket, and he was afraid to confess 
it. And so the watch mystery was cleared up, as 
had been the mysteries concerning the smugglers, 
and Captain Osgood’s fortune. 

Bob, as did the others at the Wyamoke Station, 
found that their efforts in rescuing those from the 
foundered fruit steamer, had placed the surf men in 
the hero class. They received formal thanks from 
Washington, and the newspapers had glowing ac- 
counts of the rescues. 


The Mystery Solved — Conclusion 307 

‘‘By Jove, Bob!” exclaimed his brother Dave, 
when, that Summer, Bob was home on leave, “ you 
certainly are a lucky chap. I wish something like 
that would happen to me ! ” 

“Who knows but what it will?” asked Bob, 
with a smile. “If you get into the Secret Service 
you’re likely to have some high old times all right.” 

“ Yes, if I ever do get there,” sighed Dave. 

And how Dave did, and what happened to him 
when he received that cherished appointment, will 
be related in the next volume of this series, to be 
called: “ Dave Spencer on Secret Service; Or, Uncle 
Sam’s Search for Counterfeiters.” 

For soon after Bob had succeeded in clearing up 
the mystery of the lost fortune, word came from 
Uncle David that he had one of the hardest nuts to 
crack that had ever been his luck to meet. This was 
nothing less than the operation of a band of men 
who were putting out such clever imitations of 
Uncle Sam’s money that even bankers were de- 
ceived. 

“ And I don’t know but what I’ll have to call on 
some of you boys to help me,” Uncle David wrote, 
half humorously. He hardly realized what would 
come of his remark, nor how his nephew, with his 
aid, and the aid of other Secret Service employes, 
would put an end to the daring acts of the counter- 
feiters. 

When Fall came again, with the prospect of 


3o 8 Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

storms that would lash the ocean to fury, and sweep 
vessels ashore, the crews of the various life-saving 
stations, who had been allowed leave during the 
Summer, re-assembled. Of course Bob went to 
Wyamoke, where he met his old friends again. 

Well, I see you’re ready to help us out once 
more. Bob,” remarked Captain Lon Shanley, as he 
greeted his young helper. 

Yes, I’m on the job. Cap ! ” 

‘‘ And I’m glad of it. The folks around here 
haven’t forgotten you, I can tell you. Had a letter 
from Captain Morgan the other day. He said he 
might stop off some day and give us a call. He 
wants to have you tell him all the particulars of how 
you helped Captain Osgood get his money, and how 
you gave the tip about Black Carlos.” 

“ Oh, it was luck — just luck ! ” exclaimed Bob. 
I think I’ll go out and see if I can get some fish,” 
the boy added. For Bob was modest, and did not 
like to talk about what he had done. 

And so, as he is going out toward the little pier 
to try his luck, we will take leave of Bob Spencer, 
the Life-Saver. 


THE END 


Uncle Sam’s Service Series 

By Captain Taylor Armitage 

12mo, Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, net $1.00 

What wideawake American youth is not interested 
in the workings of the United States Government? 
Here we have a series of growing importance, and one 
that should be read by every lad who loves his country. 


Bob Spencer the Life Saver 

Or Guarding the Coast for Uncle Sam 

The Spencer boys were all lively, but Bob was the 
liveliest of them all, and it was finally decided to let him 
become a Life Saver. This was accomplished through 
the good offices of an uncle at Washington, and soon Bob 
found himself at one of the numerous Life Saving Sta- 
tions on our Atlantic coast. Here he found the work 
hazardous in the extreme. He was out in several furious 
storms, and aided in rescuing many persons from more 
than one wreck, and he also took a hand in capturing a 
daring smuggler. A story all boys will enjoy reading. 

Dave Spencer on Secret Service 

Or Uncle Sam*s Search for Counterfeiters 

The uncle of the Spencer boys was in the Secret 
Service at Washington. After Bob joined the Life 
Savers, his brother Dave begged the uncle for a chance 
to do something for our government. Quite unexpect- 
edly the chance came, and Dave was thrown in with the 
Secret Service men just when they were doing their best 
to round up a gang of skillful counterfeiters who were 
flooding our country with cleverly-executed bad money. 
Every boy in the land will want to know what hap- 
pened to Dave when on Secret Service. 


SULLY AND KLEINTEICH - - - New York 


The University Series 

By Roy Eliot Stokes 

12mo, Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, net $1.00 

It is our intention in this series to give an intimate 
view of life at various American seats of learning. We 
are sure that all lads who are interested in college life 
will enjoy these volumes. 


Andy at Yale 

Or The Great Quadrangle Mystery 

Andy went to Yale an utter stranger. He knew 
nothing about the university, its customs or its tradi- 
tions. As a freshman he was hazed and knocked around 
a good bit. But he “kept his feet,” and when the 
proper time came he showed what he could do on the base- 
ball and the football field. And, more than that — much 
more, in fact — he showed what a good friend he could 
be, when his roommate, the jolly Dunk, began to follow 
after the fast set of Yale. And then he helped to solve 
the great Quadrangle mystery — that mystery which had 
so bothered those in authority. 

Chet at Harvard 

Or A Young Freshman* s Triumph 

At the preparatory school Chet had been Andy’s 
chum, and when Andy went to Yale, Chet took himself 
to Harvard. Adventures in plenty awaited the young 
freshman, and he, too, was hazed and knocked around. 
This volume is full of the true spirit of Harvard, with 
its many clubs, and its interesting doings on the athletic 
field. Chet had no easy time of it while a freshman, 
and his final triumph was well deserved. 


SULLY AND KLEINTEICH- 


-New York 








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